Muffled sintering furnace - for retaining original shape of metal extrusions

摘要

The heat treatment of an extruded metal component is effected by passing the extrusion from the extruder to a furnace having a sintering section and pref. a reducing section. The passage is effected on the upper run of a conveyor in such a manner as not to change the shape of the extrusion. The upper run is enclosed by a muffle which extends through the furnace and which provides for atmospheric sealing of a treatment gas fed to the muffle. The furnace, conveyor and muffle may be horizontal or inclined upwardly from the inlet of the muffle and the conveyor and muffle may be upwardly bowed. The extruder and muffle may be in air tight relationship.