Argon is used in heat treatment for several reasons.
Firstly, argon is an inert gas, which means it does not react with most materials, including metals. This makes it ideal for creating a protective atmosphere during heat treatment. When steel parts are heated to high temperatures, they are often exposed to oxygen, which can cause oxidation and surface scaling. By using argon as a protective gas atmosphere, the steel parts are shielded from oxygen, preventing oxidation and maintaining the quality of the surface.
Secondly, argon is used for rapid cooling of the treated metal back to non-metallurgical levels. After the desired heat treatment process in the furnace, the metal needs to be cooled quickly to achieve the desired properties. Argon can be pressurized and circulated through the hot zone area, picking up heat before passing through a heat exchanger to remove the heat. This process continues until the metal reaches the desired temperature. Argon's ability to quickly cool the metal helps in achieving the desired properties efficiently.
Additionally, argon can be used at high temperatures without any risk of reaction. Unlike some other gases, such as nitrogen, argon can be used at temperatures above 1800°C without reacting with the materials being heat-treated. This makes argon a suitable choice for heat treatment processes that require high temperatures.
In summary, argon is used in heat treatment because it provides a protective atmosphere, prevents oxidation, enables rapid cooling, and can be used at high temperatures without reacting with the materials. These properties make argon an essential component in creating the optimal conditions for heat treating various metals.
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