Systems and Methods for Providing Localized Heat Treatment of Metal Components
AssigneeUnited Technologies Corporation
InventorsThomas DeMichael, Michael J. Labbe
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Abstract
Systems and methods for providing localized heat treatment of metal components are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: identifying a portion of a metal component to which localized heat treatment is to be performed; shielding an area in a vicinity of the portion of the metal component; and directing electromagnetic energy in the infrared (IR) spectrum toward the portion of the metal component such that the portion is heated to a desired temperature and such that the area in the vicinity of the portion that is subjected to shielding does not heat to the temperature desired for the heat treatment.
Claims20
A system for providing localized heat treatment of metal components, said system comprising:
- a non-oxidizing environment positioned about at least a portion of a component that is to be heat treated;
- a heating device having an infrared (IR) heating element operative to propagate electromagnetic energy in the IR spectrum responsive to an electrical input;
- and
- a shield positioned to obstruct a line-of-sight between the IR heating element and an area of the component located adjacent the portion that is to be heat treated.
A method for providing localized heat treatment of metal components, said method comprising:
- identifying a portion of a metal component to which localized heat treatment is to be performed;
- shielding an area in a vicinity of the portion of the metal component;
- and
- directing electromagnetic energy in the infrared (IR) spectrum toward the portion of the metal component such that the portion is heated to a desired temperature and such that the area in the vicinity of the portion that is subjected to shielding does not heat to the temperature desired for the heat treatment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.