Heat-Treat process requires part container

[pfengineer]

Hi folks,

My company has been having problems with our heat-treater. When we send them small parts (.3"-.4" diameter, .1" tall cylinders), they have been coming back with severe damage. We had thought they were just tossing them in and not worrying whether larger parts bumped them or even sat on them throughout the heat-treat process. Turns out they've been vacuum packing them into foil bags, and so all the sharp edges of the little parts are digging into each other. Scrap rates have started to go through the roof with this method!

We've been with this company for a while so we're looking into a solution. (Or rather, my boss wants me to look into a solution.) Does anyone know of a source for small metal boxes, preferably with some or all mesh? Steel would work, but Hastelloy is requested. We can make our own if need be, but prefab is always faster.

Thanks for any help or tips!
Erica

 

[pardal]

Please do a search on any search engine for

"wire cloth" .

If you do not get please reach me at k281969@hotmail.com


Pardal

 

[FINN_imported]

You are not clear as to what type of heat treating or what type of material you are using for these small parts, but it sounds like you are case-carburizing these parts. Have you considered flame-hardening or induction hardening? This eliminates the need for "packing" and can eliminate part contact during heat treating.

Most heat-treat facilities do more than one type of heat-treating or have a sister-division that handles the type of processing you are looking for.

Good luck.