SINTERFLEX™. Enhanced control and monitoring of
the sintering atmosphere for alloyed powders.
High-performance PM parts entering a sintering
mesh belt furnace (image courtesy of Ames S.A.)
Complete package
Challenge
Solution
SINTERFLEX™ Atmosphere Control System (ACS) – the heart of the concept
SINTERFLEX™, a patented technology, was developed in close cooperation between Linde and Höganäs AB.
Together, Linde and Höganäs offer a complete package of high-performance powders, control equipment,
and gases, which can be easily adapted to any existing sintering process.
The SINTERFLEX™ technology has been developed in order to improve the following aspects of the
sintering process:
• Carbon control of the sintered parts
• Control of the furnace atmosphere
• Redesigned furnace atmosphere systems
• Sinter hardening
In the sintering of alloyed powders, the SINTERFLEX™ technology allows for better control of the oxygen and
carbon content levels. Decarburization, a frequent problem, is completely avoided by establishing a carbonneutral atmosphere during the sintering process. With help of a slightly carburizing atmosphere, a carburized
case layer for the sintered parts can be achieved, which is an optimal prerequisite for the subsequent sinter
hardening process.
Sampling and control of the atmosphere are important to avoid oxidation and achieve better sintering results.
An undesirable furnace atmosphere (created by a flow rate that is too low) or gas flows that are not properly
oriented for optimal atmospheric conditions can be detected with the SINTERFLEX™ Atmosphere Control System
(ACS).
Technology
Atmosphere
Equipment
The specially developed SINTERFLEX™ACS eliminates the need for a carbon restoration zone and, in some cases,
even the necessity for post-treatments such as carburizing. Also, high-speed gas cooling solutions increase the
efficiency of the sinter hardening process.
Nitrogen is supplied from on-site liquid tanks. Linde also offers on-site nitrogen generation systems. H2 is
supplied from cylinders or on-site tanks, depending on the necessary volume.
The SINTERFLEX™ACS includes a newly developed oxygen probe, which is the core part of the system, and a CO
analyzer, which uses the EMF value (measured by the oxygen probe) and the furnace temperature to calculate
the carbon potential of the atmosphere. In addition, Linde can provide the gas dosing/mixing unit, gas storage
vessels, as well as N2, H2,and CO supply.
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System overview
Features and benefits
• Usage of carbon-neutral or slightly carburizing atmosphere avoids surface decarburization and achieves
better sintering results
• Active control of process parameters helps avoid oxidation and thus provides invariant mechanical properties
• The determination of the atmosphere carbon potential by means of the special oxygen probe and a carbon
monoxide sensor provides valuable information on the quality of the furnace sintering process, resulting in
less rework and rejected parts
• Traceability through an optional data storage device
• Disturbances of the atmosphere caused by external conditions are detected and adjusted quickly and easily
• Allows for high-quality sintering of alloyed powders (even when using Cr)
• Automatic safety purging and process alarms ensure safe operation
• More environmentally friendly due to lower consumption of energy and resources
Oxygen level control
For more information about the SINTERFLEX™ technology, please contact us:
Phone +1.800.755-9277, [email protected] www.lindeus.com
For questions regarding high-performance powders, please contact our development partner
Höganäs AB: Phone +46.42 33 80 00, [email protected]
Linde North America, Inc.
575 Mountain Ave., Murray Hill, NJ 07974 USA
Phone +1.800.755-9277, [email protected] www.lindeus.com
Linde North America Inc. is a member of The Linde Group. Linde is a trading name used by companies within the Linde
Group. The Linde logo and SINTERFLEX™ are trademarks of The Linde Group. © The Linde Group 2012.
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