Plasma annealing of stainless steel and nickel alloy wire--efficient, high-speed alternative to traditional tube annealing

摘要

The paper outlines plasma annealing of stainless steel and nickel alloy wire in the diameter range of O.5rnmm to 5 mm. The workings of the plasma annealer and its components are explained. The productionrnprocess is compared to the traditional tube annealing furnace in terms of process layout; productionrnspeed/output per line; pre-cleaning concept and environmental impact of both processes; powerrnconsumption; gas consumption; maintenance; and mechanical and surface properties and relatedrndrawability of the annealed materials.