Belt conveyor Magaldi Quenching MCC® AL

horizontalfor the metallurgical industrycooling

Quenching is the most critical operation in the entire process of heat-treating aluminum. The mechanical properties of aluminum cast parts are critically dependent on the rate at which the part is quenched after the forming operation. On the one hand, the fastest quenching rate allows for high resistance to corrosion and the best combination of strength and toughness; on the other hand, residual stresses and distortion increase with increasing quench rates. Hence, a balance between the maximum quench rate and distortion must be maintained. Through a properly engineered system, Magaldi provides the quenching rate best suited to meet the desired properties. The combined use of analytical methods (i.e. CFD analysis), experimental tests, and in-field measurements, allows for the design of custom-tailored solutions where specific cooling rates are achieved to ensure the proper metallurgical microstructure in the final material. The MCC® AL conveyor is designed for both cooling down the castings and as final heat treatment (T5 - air quench) in a more timely and efficient manner. It is comprised of: the Superbelt® conveyor as the key component. The belt design is based on a multi-link concept which ensures redundancy, little to no maintenance, and trouble-free continuous operation, thus avoiding costly disruptions. A cooling tunnel held under negative pressure. A stream of ambient air at a controlled speed flows over the castings to rapidly cool them from above their critical temperature. An optical detector that ensures the proper functioning of the belt at almost zero speed or batch.