Ageing Ovens

"Ageing ovens," also known as aging ovens or solution heat treatment ovens, are specialized equipment used in the heat treatment of certain types of aluminum alloys. The aging process is a critical step in enhancing the mechanical properties of heat-treatable aluminum alloys after they have been extruded or processed through other shaping methods. It involves heating the extruded aluminum profiles to a specific temperature and holding them at that temperature for a precise duration to achieve the desired metallurgical changes.

Usage of Ageing Ovens:

• Heat Treatment: Ageing ovens are used for the heat treatment of heat-treatable aluminum alloys, such as 6000-series and 7000-series alloys.
• Enhancing Mechanical Properties: The ageing process is employed to improve the strength, hardness, and other mechanical properties of the aluminum alloy, making it suitable for various demanding applications.

How it Works:

• Preparatory Steps: Before the ageing process, the aluminum profiles are usually subjected to other steps in the heat treatment process, such as solution heat treatment. Solution heat treatment involves heating the profiles to a high temperature and then quenching them rapidly to dissolve certain alloying elements into a solid solution.
• Loading into the Ageing Oven: Once the profiles have undergone solution heat treatment, they are loaded into the ageing oven. The oven is designed to provide precise temperature control and uniform heating.
• Ageing Process: The aluminium profiles are heated to a specific temperature typically below the solution heat treatment temperature. The profiles are then held at this temperature for a specific period known as the ageing time.
• Precise Control: The ageing process requires precise control of temperature and time. The specific parameters depend on the alloy type and the desired mechanical properties.
• Cooling: After the ageing time, the profiles are cooled to room temperature. The ageing process results in the precipitation of alloying elements, which strengthens the alloy and imparts the desired mechanical properties.
• Final Inspection: The aged profiles are then inspected to ensure they meet the required mechanical properties and other quality standards.