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Initial Table
While carbon copes well with high temperatures, its disadvantages are that it is hard, granular and brittle. These shortcomings frequently lead to scratching and denting of extrusions.
IK Thermotex made from carbon and aromatic polyamide fibres solves these problems by virtue of its toughness and resilience. Its performance can be enhanced by keeping the felt wet with a water spray or bath.
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Runout Conveyor
If the speeds of the slat conveyor and the puller are coordinated, then black spots can result through chilling of the extrusion by the carbon slats. Conversely, any significant speed differential between conveyor and puller will promote scratching.
These problems are obviated by fitting IK Thermotex in place of carbon to the slats; the speeds can be coordinated without the risk of black spot formation because of the low thermal conductivity of IK Thermotex. (0.16w / m°C). Speed coordination also removes the cause of scratching. IK Thermotex may be slightly carbonised by the heat of the extrusions but this carbonised felt will not adhere to the extrusions.
The standard methods of installing IK Thermotex are by bolting or the cartridge system. Each slat should be fitted with three (or two) segments of felt so that in time only the worn segment need be replaced and not the whole slat.
Roller conveyor systems are becoming increasingly popular.
IK Thermotex Tube (KT365) is used for this application.
For application of heavy section forming to be a major part of production, new high dense and compressed IK Thermotex Tube should be fitted to the rollers.
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Transfer or Pick-Off Arms
Carbon, teflon and asbestos have been in common use for this application to date. The incidence of damage by dents and scratches will be reduced by fitting IK Thermotex to these arms because of its resilient properties.
Black spot will not occur because of the low thermal conductivity of the felt.
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Cooling Table
Damage sustained by extrusions while on this table can be dents, scratches & black spot from carbon, scratching from frayed or curled woven fabric, or from thermal stick of rubber belts or teflon slabs. Woven fabric belts have a problem of its short life. Poor alignment or indexing is often experienced with woven aromatic polyamide belts.
IK Thermotex pads or belts solve all of these problems. IK Thermotex can be applied to all of the three types of cooling tables, walking beam, chain drive and belt types.
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Storage, Stretcher and Inspection Tables
Rubber belts commonly used, may impart scratches to the extrusions from curled edges or hardening from age and thermal effects.
IK Thermotex high density needle felted aromatic polyamide felts offer desirable softness, even after long service, and heat resistanse (250°C) which eliminates the possibility of damage.
Pads and belts are available in IK Thermotex.
A special resin impregnated IK Thermotex having very low friction is available for Stretcher Tables.
Belts are available in either endless or joined construction.
Felt pads may be installed on beams with double sided adhesive tape.
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Saw Charge Conveyor - Driven Rollers
Although plastics, PVC and rubber coated rollers are used for this application, damage is still inflicted from surface hardness (dents) and overrun (scratches). Undesiralble levels of noise are often generated also.
These problems are solved by covering the rollers with heat shrinkable IK Thermotex Tube.
The possibility of damage from swarf embedded in the felt is minimal. Large particles will be shed by centrifugal force and the softness and resilience of the felt will absorb the dust particles. The sharp edges of extrusions impacting on the IK Thermotex will not damage it because of the tough needle felt construction. It will not cut or fray.
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Saw Charge Conveyor - Belt System
Serveral short rubber belts are frequently used to drive the extrusions over the idler rollers to the saw. Scratching often results from hardening and cracking of these belts.
These rubber belts can be replaced by IK Thermotex belts which will not harden, crack or curl and will therefore not damage the extrusions.
Accurate tracking of these wide belts can be achieved either by crowning the pulleys or by attaching one or two V-belt sections to the back surface. These will run in matching grooves in the pulleys. Slipping is also eliminated either by fitting these V-belts or by coating the back surface with PVC.
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Spacers & Aging Furnace Crates
Socks made from 1mm thick aromatic polyamide IK Thermotex to cover metal spacer bars, prevent damage during transportation to and from the aging furnace. Alternatively, spacer bars can be made from resin impregnated IK Thermotex either 4mm or 7mm thick. IK Thermotex spacer materials offer greater durability and long term economies over cardboard or paper.
The 4mm thick IK Thermotex should also be used as an internal lining for aging furnace crates, skips or stillages to prevent scuffing of the extrusions. This range of felt with stands temperatures up to 250°C (482°F)
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