Rotary retort furnace

quenchinghardeningautomatic

Overview
SECO/WARWICK rotary retort furnace systems are engineered for continuous production and consistent heat treating of small metal parts. Designed to deliver uniform quench performance and flexible processing for single- or multi-application lines, these systems suit high-throughput environments handling coins, fasteners, bearings, ammunition casings and similar components.

Whirl-A-Way Quench
The Whirl-A-Way quench provides rapid, uniform quenching and promotes deeper case depths. Parts enter the quench medium seconds after reaching temperature and are conveyed by the motion of the quench fluid, which removes vapor barriers to improve heat transfer. Internal drum flights carry parts to discharge. Quench media options include oil, water or synthetic fluids. The patented Whirl-A-Way design prevents atmosphere contamination and ensures repeatable individual quench results across varied part geometries.

Features

• Factory built: fully assembled, piped, wired and mechanically tested to minimize installation time and cost
• Hopper/loader: meters predetermined charges into the retort each revolution; loaded baskets elevated and automatically deposited
• Low maintenance: no baskets or trays required; retort is the only moving part exposed to heat
• Sealed atmosphere: retort supported by sealed bearing; quench flange mounted to furnace; only a small load door opens momentarily each rotation
• Automation: fully automatic heat treating after loading

Standard Equipment & Design Options

• Standard capacities: 500 lb (225 kg) to 1,000 lb (450 kg) per hour; custom systems up to 4,000 lb (1,800 kg)/h
• Electric design: bayonet heating elements replaceable from outside the furnace
• Gas design: centrifugally cast alloy radiant tubes and complete combustion system
• Retort: cantilevered one-piece cast retort supported at one end and sealed at the charge end
• Rotary mechanism: internal auger flights convey parts with adjustable speeds for process flexibility
• No pits required: floor-level installation possible without special foundations

Processes

• Carbonitriding
• Hardening
• Carburizing

Materials / Parts Suitable

• Screws
• Nuts
• Bolts
• Ammunition casings
• Washers
• Coins

Industries

• Bearing
• Automotive
• Agricultural
• Fasteners
• Defense

Technical specifications

• Typical temperature range for controlled-atmosphere hardening, carbonitriding and carburizing: 1,550–1,750°F (840–955°C)
• Standard rated capacities: 500 lb (225 kg) to 1,000 lb (450 kg)/h; custom systems up to 4,000 lb (1,800 kg)/h
• Quench system: Whirl-A-Way; media options: oil, water or synthetic fluids; designed to avoid atmosphere contamination and deliver uniform, deep case depths
• Electric furnaces: bayonet heating elements replaceable from outside the furnace
• Gas furnaces: centrifugally cast alloy radiant tubes and full combustion system
• Retort design: cantilevered, one-piece cast retort; sealed bearing support; no seals or bearings in hot areas at discharge
• Conveyance: internal auger flights; adjustable retort speed for process flexibility
• Installation: floor-level design, no pit or special foundation required
• Maintenance: minimal—no baskets or trays; only retort is moving part exposed to heat
• Automation: fully automatic heat treating after loading