Methods for Microwave Heat Treatment of Manufactured Components

Abstract

An apparatus for heat treating manufactured components using microwave energy and microwave susceptor material. Heat treating medium such as eutectic salts may be employed. A fluidized bed introduces process gases which may include carburizing or nitriding gases. The process may be operated in a batch mode or continuous process mode. A microwave heating probe may be used to restart a frozen eutectic salt bath.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages are apparent by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cutaway schematic illustration of a component heat treatment assembly.

FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of a component heat treating system.

FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of an alternative embodiment of a component heat treating system.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a component processing system.

FIG. 4A presents a cross sectional schematic illustration of a microwave heating probe.

FIG. 4B presents a cross sectional schematic illustration of an alternative heating probe.

FIG. 5 depicts a component heat treating assembly, illustrated schematically in cross section.

FIG. 6 portrays a schematic cross section of a fluidized bed system according to the invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method for heat treating a component.

FIG. 8 is flow chart of a different method for heat treating a component.

Claims

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9. A method of heat treating components, the method comprising: melting a heat treating medium using microwaves;placing the components in the molten heat treating medium;heating the molten heat treating medium sufficiently to maintain the molten state; andremoving the components from the molten heat treating medium.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of heating the molten heat treating medium sufficiently to maintain the molten state comprises heating the molten heat treating medium using microwave energy.

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19. A method of heat treating components, the method comprising: loading a fluidized bed insulating vessel with components and granular microwave susceptor material such that a substantial portion of the exterior surface of each component is in contact with the granular microwave susceptor material;exposing the loaded fluidized bed insulating vessel to microwave radiation; andpumping process gas into the loaded fluidized bed insulating vessel.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising pumping surface treatment gas into the loaded fluidized bed insulating vessel.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising pumping carburizing gas into the loaded fluidized bed insulating vessel.

22. The method of claim 20 further comprising pumping nitriding gas into the loaded fluidized bed insulating vessel.

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