Method and apparatus for continuous in-line annealing of amorphous strip

摘要

An apparatus for the in-line annealing of amorphous strip includes feed rolls for substantially continuously feeding the strip during annealing. The strip is first fed into a nip of cooperating heated pressure rolls. The heated pressure rolls rapidly heat the strip to an annealing temperature at a rate of substantially 102-104 DEG C./second while also subjecting the strip to localized plastic deformation. Where multiple ribbons are being fed simultaneously through the heating pressure rolls, bonding occurs to produce a composite strip. The strip is fed from the pressure rolls through an in-line annealer immediately downstream from the pressure rolls. During annealing, the strip is continuously fed and maintained under tension by operation of a winding roll. The strip is annealed at a temperature of between 420 DEG -510 DEG C. for 0.01-10.0 minutes. Torque of between 200-600 inch pounds is applied to the strip both during annealing and as the strip cools to room temperature prior to winding. An associated method is also disclosed.