Different heat treatment furnaces are used depending on the steel type and the results required, and may operate with a controlled atmosphere or under vacuum e.g. vacuum and gas furnaces can be used for carburizing.

Furnaces may be fuel-fired (gas or oil) or use induction to heat the components.

Furnaces are divided into two main categories: continuous furnaces and single charge (batch) furnaces. They may also be defined by the number of furnace chambers.

The basic structure of different heat treatment furnaces is the same. The basic structure contains:

  • Chamber, which has to be heat insulated;
  • Heating system, which heats the chamber;
  • Heat measurement system;
  • Control cabinet.

Many furnaces also have an air blower, which is designed to speed up and control the cooling process.

Learning Outcomes for this Section

After completing this section, you should be able to:

  • Describe different furnace types
  • List and explain the main chemical reactions that take place inside the furnaces
  • List and explain the main features of different types of furnaces

See Also

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