PROCESS OF PREPARING METAL PARTS TO BE HEATED BY MEANS OF INFRARED RADIANCE

摘要

A method for preparing metal for heating by infrared radiance to enable uniform and consistent heating. The surface of one or more metal parts (16,17), such as aluminum or aluminum alloy parts, is treated to alter the surface finish to affect the reflectivity of the surface. The surface reflectivity is evaluated, such as by taking measurements at one or more points (37) on the surface, to determine if a desired reflectivity has been achieved. The treating and measuring are performed until the measuring indicates that the desired reflectivity has been achieved. Once the treating has altered the surface finish to achieve the desired reflectivity, the metal part (16,17) may then be exposed to infrared radiance to heat the metal part (16,17) to a desired temperature, and that heating will be substantially consistent throughout by virtue of the desired reflectivity.