Vacuum furnaces and the demand for reliable feedthroughs
The development of vacuum furnaces aimed to obtain better extinguishing pressures, broadening the range of treatable materials and reducing cycle times. This evolution revised the meaning of vacuum technology and required different component parts. Modern heat treatment plants now differ significantly from classic vacuum systems. Among heat treatments for steel and non-ferrous materials, 'vacuum heat treatment' in a reduced-pressure atmosphere is an effective technology for quality and environmental reasons. 'Quenching' in a vacuum heat treatment furnace is one specific process.
The function of a magnetic fluid seal
Ferrofluid seals are technologies for maintaining a vacuum. They prevent gas leakage, preserving the vacuum state of equipment even while the shaft is rotating. To maintain a vacuum, pumps evacuate air from the equipment, and vacuum gauges monitor the pressure to ensure the required vacuum level is achieved. Maintaining a vacuum is essential for ensuring high-quality products. Depending on the application, the appropriate type of ferrofluid seal should be chosen.
Application in vacuum and pressurized furnace environments
These seals are applied in vacuum furnaces and pressurized furnaces. They are used for vacuum heat treatment furnaces that employ both vacuuming and pressurization, along with other various furnace types. The furnace atmosphere must be tightly controlled and often consists of an inert or reducing atmosphere to prevent oxidation. Furnace temperature, usually around 1000 °C, causes sealing glass to melt in other components, illustrating the harsh thermal environment. The actual sealing in glass-to-metal processes happens during cooling when the glass temperature passes the strain point.
Selecting and customizing the right seal
Technical guides exist for customizing magnetic fluid sealing units for harsh environments. Selection focuses on the right ferrofluid feedthrough for a specific vacuum system. Solutions are engineered for high-vacuum and clean manufacturing environments. The nut mounting thread body design is one configuration that enables integration into these complex systems, providing a reliable rotary feedthrough where motion must enter a sealed chamber.
We provide related products for these demanding applications.