A modern alternative to rod frame fabricated baskets.
For years, the standard method of batch loading was using rod frame fabricated baskets. This method of processing products, although practical, comes with several limitations.
For starters, the round rod is structurally weak, and because it is exposed to extreme temperatures, then oil or polymer quenched, they often undergo severe thermal shock. As the thermal shock continues to take its toll after cycling over and over, the baskets begin to distort and eventually crack. That distortion continues and the cracks propagate until the baskets no longer stack properly and ultimately fail.
SureStack Baskets are the Solution
SureStack baskets provide an answer to many of the problems of the more traditional rod frame fabricated baskets. Our lightweight investment cast baskets have additional intrinsic stiffness that a casting provides and is designed to stack in a way that combats the distortion of a traditional rod frame basket.
An added benefit of this alternative is that these baskets have no welds as they are cast in a single piece. Taking time to understand your specific process, we can recommend the correct alloy grade that will perform at a higher level than what you’ve experienced in the past. Current customers are receiving 30-50% more cycle life from our SureStack Baskets than their previously used rod frame fabrications!
SureStack Baskets
Our SureStack baskets are engineered from heat-resistant alloys to deliver superior strength, stability, and resistance to distortion under extreme furnace conditions. Their stackable design maximizes load efficiency and minimizes handling time. SureStack baskets are available in multiple sizes, such as:
- FI-4094: 29” x 23” x 4”H
- FI-4095: 29” x 23” x 6”H
- FI-4072: 35” x 23” x 3”H
- FI-4026: 35” x 23” x 8”H
Base Trays & Grids
Built with the same high-temperature alloy construction as SureStack baskets, these ‘reversible’ base trays provide a stable, durable foundation for heavy furnace loads. They maintain shape and strength through repeated thermal cycles. Our base trays which include roller-wheel tracks, are available in multiple sizes or custom sizes to suit your operation:
- 30” x 24” base tray models
- 36” x 24” base tray models
I.Q. Batch Furnace Summary
In an IQ batch furnace, parts are loaded into baskets and mechanically transferred into the vestibule, which has a door that is tightly sealed to maintain a protective atmosphere, then moved into the hot zone, where they are heated to 1,700–1,850 °F, for austenitizing or carburizing. The load is then transferred into a quench tank. A mechanical transfer device (chain, elevator, or walking beam) pushes the basket load directly from the hot-zone into the oil quench tank below or adjacent to the furnace chamber. The transfer is rapid (a few seconds) to minimize temperature before quench. This imparts the desired hardness and strength to the materials. After quenching, the load can be lifted out for washing or tempering.
Furnace Components
Ferralloy supplies replacement parts for other types of heat-treating furnaces, which wear out over time, due to the extreme operating temperatures they are subject to. These products include Radiant Tubes (in every configuration), Muffles, Retorts, Annealing Covers, Furnace Fans (new and refurbished), Furnace Rolls, Rollers, Chain Guides, Piers, Rails, Riders, and much more. Ferralloy is your furnace maintenance partner, ask how we can implement a serialized refurbishment program for all your alloy and replacement part needs.
Furnace Spare Parts
In addition to SureStack Baskets and Base Trays, Ferralloy provides tooling and spare parts for many other types of heat-treating furnaces including: Vacuum, Brazing, Sintering, Continuous Annealing, Pit furnaces, Exothermic & Endothermic, Electrical Heating-Elements and others. We offer sand and investment castings, centrifugal cast tubes & rolls and fabrication services.
Ask us Anything
If you have any questions about the services we offer and how we can help your business, fill out the form below and a representative will contact you as soon as possible.
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Benefits of Our SureStack Baskets
- Available for all sizes of trays and hearths
- Internal stacking posts included for additional support
- Designed to reduce distortion
- All alloy grades available
- Complete with wire mesh liners
- Custom designs to meet your unique needs
- Reduces operating cost per cycle
Learn More About Our SureStack Baskets!
Our SureStack baskets are designed to last longer than the legacy designs of the past and overcome the limitations of traditional options. Contact us today and learn more!
MAXIMIZE YOUR BASKET LIFE
Loading and Unloading Baskets in most heat-treating departments is a process that typically results in one basket in the stack ending up on top of the stack. This basket does not have the benefit of the SureStack top rim being locked by the basket above it thereby eventually distorting inward. By applying the suggested loading and unloading sequence each basket will see a cycle at the top position and each subsequent cycle it will move through the stack thereby not having the time to distort as it would in a traditional sequence. Download this illustration and apply our recommended sequence to your process and receive many more cycles out of your SureStack Baskets!!
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