Iron-chromium-aluminum fibers, also known as FeCrAl metal fiber, are a high-performance material that has gained popularity in recent years. It has a wide range of applications in the infrared gas burner, automotive, and electronics industries due to its low density, high strength, and excellent oxidation resistance. In this article, we will discuss the production methods for FeCrAl fibers.
The production of FeCrAl fibers starts with the selection of the raw materials. The most common raw materials used in the production of FeCrAl fibers are iron, chromium, and aluminum powders. These powders are mixed in the right proportions and then loaded into a vacuum induction melting furnace.
The mixture is then heated to the melting point of the metals while maintaining a vacuum inside the furnace. Once the mixture has melted, it is poured into a crucible that is equipped with a small orifice that can be adjusted to control the size of the fiber.
The crucible is then placed into a spinning machine called a fiberizer. The fiberizer uses centrifugal force to spin the crucible, which causes the melted mixture to be extruded through the orifice and into a stream of air or inert gas.
As the mixture is extruded, it solidifies and forms into thin and continuous fibers. The metal fibers are collected on a spool, which is then cooled and removed for further processing.
The collected metal fibers are then subjected to annealing, which is a process of heating the fibers to a high temperature and then cooling it slowly. This process helps to improve the mechanical strength, ductility and oxidation resistance of the fibers.
Finally, the metal fibers are coated with a protective layer to further enhance their oxidation resistance and to prevent damage during handling. The coating material could be materials such as glass, SiO2, and Al2O3.
The production of FeCrAl metal fibers is a complex and precise process that requires expertise and attention to detail. The result is a high-performance material that is strong, lightweight, and resistant to oxidation. The increasing demand for this material in various industries is a testament to its superior performance and versatility.