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Nonferrous Forging Temperature Measurement

Temperature Control for Forging Plants

The forging industry has a broad range of manufacturing processes, making many different types of products. Aluminum, copper, steel and titanium are the most popular metals that are used in the forging process. While there are a number of different ways to forge metal, the process essentially remains the same. It requires heating a piece of metal and then deforming that metal into a particular shape. For aluminum and other nonferrous metals, temperature control is critical in achieving the desired metallurgical and structural properties, and aluminum infrared temperature sensor technology is essential. The two most essential nonferrous forging temperature measurement areas are the billet and die.

Williamson Wavelength Technologies

Billet: For the measurement of aluminum multi-wavelength (MW) models are preferred due to significant non-greybody emissivity variation. SW technology is preferred inside a flame-fired furnace, but otherwise MW technology is preferred. MW technology provides an ESP algorithm to compensate for non-greybody emissivity variation associated with copper and aluminum.

Die: Williamson offers two technologies for the measure of die temperature. The SW-16 wavelength set views clearly through flames and is preferred for static preheating processes. DW models are best when measuring dies that are in constant motion. DW models are equipped with unique ESP Filtering, used to recognize valid measurement conditions. Signal Strength and Signal Dilution filters enable the sensor to make a continuous die temperature reading while ignoring flames, lubricant spray, workpiece temperature, and closed die temperature.

Download the Complete Set of Forging & Forming Application Notes

Aluminum/Copper Billets

Application Overview

For the aluminum and copper forming process, the billet temperature is raised to make the metal softer and more easily deformed. Overheating the billet can cause surface defects and requires extra lubrication to prevent sticking to molds and dies. Under-heating can cause cracking and excessive die or mold wear. Precise Aluminum or copper billet temperature measurement is an important part of optimizing this metal forming process.

New alloys for automotive and aerospace products also require more precise control of billet temperatures at temperatures in excess of 500°C/925°F. At these high temperatures, oxides on the surface of the billet vitrify gradually over time changing the surface characteristics of the billet. This more complex surface condition requires the use of Williamson’s more advanced MWx Technology.

Williamson offers two different multi-wavelength technologies for billet applications.

Williamson Multi-Wavelength Technologies

Pyrometer Type MWxAB MW-20
Description Multi-wavelength with Dynamic ESP Technology

 

Automatically compensates for changing surface character conditions

Accurate across ALL relevant temperature ranges

Multi-wavelength with Static ESP Technology

 

Assumes reasonably predictable surface character conditions

Accurate for temperatures below 900°F/500°C

Temperature Ranges 550-1100°F / 285-600°C 400-1100°F / 200-600°C
Measurement Locations Cut Billet

 

Side Billet

Shear Billet

Cut Billet

 

Side Billet

 

Stack of Aluminum Billets before they enter the induction furnace
Williamson Wavelength Advantage

Both single-wavelength and ratio pyrometers are affected by the non-greybody emissivity variation associated with aluminum and copper. Williamson multi-wavelength pyrometers accurately compensate for non-greybody emissivity variation to produce a highly accurate measure of temperature.

Pyrometer Benefits
  • Assure desired product quality
  • Avoids die and mold wear
  • Minimize lubrication
  • Eliminate cracking and surface blemishes
Wavelength Technology
  • Multi-Wavelength technology automatically compensates for non-greybody emissivity variation

Static Die Temperature

Application Overview

During the forming process, die temperature influences the temperature of the surface of the workpiece and this can affect product quality. Hot dies require extra lubrication and can cause sticking and surface blemishes. Cool dies require extra lubrication and can inhibit flow and cause cracking or hardening of the workpiece.

Contact thermocouples are influenced by the temperature of the air, any wind currents, and the amount of pressure applied to the die. Infrared pyrometers provide a more accurate and more reliable measure of die temperature.

For some metal forming plants the process cycle is slow and for others it is fast. For plants that are able to easily obtain a temperature value from a relatively static die surface, the short wavelength technology is recommended.

Flame fired forging process with static die
Williamson Wavelength Advantage

Using short-wavelength technology the Williamson SW is less sensitive to emissivity variation and optical obstructions compared to longer wavelength sensors. The thoughtful wavelength selection of the 16 and 22 models allows for the sensor to view clearly through flames.

Pyrometer Benefits
  • Improved surface conditions
  • Improved metal flow and shape
  • Lower lubricant needs
  • Consistent product quality
Wavelength Technology
  • Short-Wavelength technology reduces sensitivity to emissivity variation, optical obstruction, and misalignment.
  • The 16 and 22 wavelength sets tolerate steam, oil, and flames without interference.

Dynamic Die Temperature

Application Overview

During the forming process, die temperature influences the temperature of the surface of the workpiece and this can affect product quality. Hot dies require extra lubrication and can cause sticking and surface blemishes. Cool dies require extra lubrication and can inhibit flow and cause cracking or hardening of the workpiece.

Contact thermocouples are influenced by the temperature of the air, any wind currents, and the amount of pressure applied to the die. Infrared pyrometers provide a more accurate and more reliable measure of die temperature.

For some metal forming plants the process cycle is slow and for others it is fast. For plants where the die is rapidly opening and closing, the dual-wavelength technology is preferred because of the ability to automatically recognize valid measurement conditions.

View of forging press where dynamic die temperature is being taken
Williamson Wavelength Advantage

Because of a greater separation between wavelengths, the DW technology will read hottest temperature within the field of view. This allows the sensor to eliminate inaccurate reading from emissivity variation, optical obstruction, and misalignment. The DW technology also includes ESP Filtering which is used to recognize valid temperature conditions and ignore interferences.

Pyrometer Benefits
  • Improved surface conditions
  • Improved metal flow and shape
  • Lower lubricant needs
  • Consistent product quality
Wavelength Technology
  • Dual-wavelength technology compensates for emissivity variation, optical obstruction, and misalignment.
  • Tolerates oil, steam and flames without interference.
  • ESP filtering recognizes valid conditions permitting the pyrometer to measure only when viewing the exposed die surface

Consult With One of Williamson’s Temperature Experts

We would love to discuss your temperature measurement application with you.

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