Over the past decade, manufacturers of high volume, high strength construction fasteners have faced growing pressures related to product quality, delivery timelines and cost competitiveness. In response, the latest developments from CAN-ENG’s mesh belt heat treatment systems will be on display at this year’s Fastener Fair USA.
Taking place at the Music City Center, Nashville from 28th – 29th May, CAN-ENG Furnaces International Ltd will present its mesh belt heat treatment systems featuring integrated soft handling and part orientation technologies, as well as its automated bulk dunnage unloading and advanced metering systems. The systems ensure fasteners are evenly oriented and distributed across the conveyor, avoiding irregular heat up and soak times that could impact mechanical properties and dimensional stability.
During the process, fasteners are conveyed through sequential stages – washing, austenitising, quenching, tempering, and post treatment oiling, while a strict control over critical process parameters is maintained. This precise handling ensures full compliance with the industry’s most demanding quality standards. With low inertia transfers and external furnace loading, the system minimises the risk of part damage and part mixing. It also enhances traceability and reduces empty belt gaps – maximising both product integrity and system throughput.
As quality expectations increase, so does the need for enhanced process precision – especially during the tempering stage. Following austenitising and quenching, tempering reduces excess hardness and improves toughness by heating the fasteners below their critical transformation temperature for a controlled time period. To meet tighter quality specifications, CAN-ENG has developed advanced tempering furnace designs capable of achieving product temperature uniformity of ±5°F (± 2.8°C) or better.
These improvements are enabled by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling, which enables the optimisation of forced recirculation systems, internal furnace geometry, as well as the relationship between product placement and airflow dynamics. The result is a more reliable, repeatable process that delivers exceptional metallurgical and mechanical property consistency, helping manufacturers exceed their customers’ quality expectations.
www.can-eng.com
Biog
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
