Wisconsin Oven's blog

In our previous posts, we explored the science of solution heat treatment and the traditional workhorse of the industry: the drop bottom furnace. In this blog post, we'll dive into the latest solution treatment technology, horizontal quench systems. A New Approach to Quenching The legacy equipment for solution heat treatment has traditionally been the drop bottom furnace. This design uses a simple yet effective design that consists of an elevated furnace with a door at the bottom and a quench tank that sits beneath the furnace on a movable platform. The horizontal quench system, on the other hand, places the

The technology of composite materials continues to develop, as it strives to meet more of industry’s needs for structural lightweighting and flexibility in manufacturing. Borrowing from the symmetry used by bees to create their hives with the greatest efficiency possible, honeycomb composite materials start with an open framework of hexagonal cells to form a structure that is inherently lightweight. This material is produced from very flexible, lightweight material that undergoes specialized processing to give it strength and rigidity. How are Honeycomb Composites Manufactured? Honeycomb composite materials are manufactured using expanded or corrugated material, typically nomex, carbon fiber, aramid, or fiberglass

In our previous blog, we explored the science behind solution heat treating aluminum and how a precise balance between time and temperature is required to achieve optimal aluminum alloy properties. In this next installment of our blog series, we will focus on the traditional powerhouse of aluminum heat treatment: the drop bottom furnace. The Drop Bottom Furnace: A Tried-and-True Design One of the most traditional pieces of equipment for solution heat treatment is the drop bottom furnace. This workhorse of the industry boasts a simple yet powerful design that consists of an elevated furnace with a door at the bottom

Heat treatment processes are used to enhance the strength and durability of aluminum components found in everything from airplanes to everyday consumer goods. These processes include solution heat treating, quenching, and aging. In this first installment of our blog series on aluminum heat treating, we will examine the science behind these processes. Understanding the Metallurgy of Aluminum Heat Treating Heat-treatable aluminum contains alloying elements like copper, silicon, and magnesium. These elements are added in varying combinations to provide a range of properties, including greater strength, increased hardness, improved machinability, corrosion resistance, and more. To create these properties within the aluminum

Heat treating is a cornerstone of many manufacturing processes, enhancing the properties of metals and other materials. However, some materials are susceptible to oxidation when exposed to air at high temperatures, leading to detrimental effects such as discoloration, scaling, and surface roughness. This is where inert atmosphere heat treating comes into play. By significantly reducing the oxygen level within the heating environment, this technology safeguards materials from unwanted oxidation reactions, preserving their quality and functionality. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of inert atmosphere heat treating, exploring the process, benefits, applications, and key considerations when selecting an

Filament wound composite technology is used to manufacture extremely strong, lightweight cylindrical and tubular structures. After the resin-impregnated fibers, such as carbon fiber, Kevlar, or Fiberglass, are wrapped around a rotating mandrel, the resin structure needs to be cured in an industrial curing oven. During the curing process it is essential to maintain precise temperature control and uniform heat distribution while continuing the rotation to prevent part defects. There are two main oven configurations used for this process, batch with a load cart and rotator or top load with a rotator. In both designs the mandrels must be kept rotating

The world of composite materials is filled with remarkable technologies used for the manufacture of many products. Filament winding is a process used in the composites industry to create strong, lightweight cylindrical and tubular structures. In this two-part blog, we will explain the process of filament wound composite curing, discuss the common products and industries that use it, and detail the key features of an industrial oven used for this process. What is Filament Winding? Imagine crafting incredibly strong, lightweight, and precisely shaped parts using continuous fibers and resin. That's the essence of filament winding. This technique involves winding resin-impregnated

Composite products are made using a woven base material such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or Kevlar (aramid) fiber and impregnating it with a resin-like epoxy, polyester, polyurethane, or other plastic in a liquid state. The woven material base is known as a "prepreg" since it has not been impregnated with a resin. Once resin is added to the prepreg, the material is cured under heat and pressure to create a solid, reinforced plastic. The design of composite curing ovens for vacuum bagging applications includes specific features and options to prevent improper curing of parts. Key oven design features include: Air