Temperature measurement in aluminium production
Temperature has a decisive impact on the mechanical properties of the aluminium product and overall process stability. Non-contact infrared temperature measurement allows the temperature to be monitored throughout production, from heating the billet to extrusion, quenching and further processing.
Incorrect temperature affects both process and product
Production begins with a solid block of aluminium known as a billet. The billet must be heated to the correct temperature before it is fed into the press and extruded into the desired profile.
If the temperature is too low, the material can damage the press or solidify during extrusion and block the process. Temperature also affects the mechanical properties of the finished product, including hardness and elasticity.
Traditional thermocouples can be used for measurement, but they respond more slowly, require maintenance and can become less accurate over time. They may also struggle to handle changes in alloy type and surface finish.
Non-contact measurement throughout aluminium production
Infrared temperature measurement detects the temperature of the aluminium from a distance without physical contact with the material. This makes the technology well suited to hot workpieces moving through production.
Accurate measurement of the billet temperature makes it possible to optimise the process, reduce die wear and minimise the risk of underheated workpieces solidifying during extrusion.
When the aluminium leaves the press, it is still hot and soft. The profile must therefore be rapidly cooled through a controlled quenching process. The cooling rate affects the product’s hardness and elasticity; cooling too quickly can cause cracks or deformation.
Choose the measurement method to suit the process stage and alloy
The measuring equipment must be able to handle the low and variable emissivity of aluminium. It is also important to choose a solution suited to the specific process stage, the alloy used and the material’s surface.
SPOT AL from AMETEK Land is a digital, non-contact pyrometer developed specifically for temperature measurement in aluminium production.
- Extrusion: Measure the temperature before, during and after pressing
- Quenching: Monitor the cooling rate after extrusion
- Strip: Check the temperature of aluminium in continuous processes
- Forming and forging: Track the temperature during mechanical processing
- Magnesium-containing alloys: Use a measurement mode for alloys with a higher magnesium content
- Liquid aluminium: Measure the temperature in applications involving molten material
- Position the pyrometer with an unobstructed view of the relevant measurement area
- Integrate temperature data with the press or plant control system
- Adjust the measurement settings to suit the alloy and surface finish
SPOT AL uses preset algorithms for aluminium with low and variable emissivity. This provides a better basis for optimising press speed and producing consistent products with less waste.
Process optimisation with integrated temperature data
SPOT AL can be integrated with existing control systems, making temperature measurement an active part of process control. The video camera, focus distance and other functions can be accessed and configured both locally and remotely.
The instrument combines Ethernet, Modbus TCP, video, analogue outputs and alarm outputs in a single unit. Temperature data can therefore be used to control the press, monitor cooling and respond quickly to process deviations.
Accurate temperature measurement can help increase uptime, reduce die wear, cut scrap rates and lower the risk of costly damage to production equipment. Hans Buch offers SPOT AL and advice on infrared temperature measurement for aluminium production.
Temperature measurement
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