There is a wide number of methods used in cooling bars and other metal products. One of the most common methods used is forced cooling. Forced cooling is when air is driven through the bar or product and dissipates the heat rapidly, often to a specific temperature. Forced cooling is used for the majority of manufacturing processes and is the method preferred for most applications.
The most widespread forced cooling system used in the industry today is an axial fan to cool bars and other metal products. Axial fans provide a combination of high cooling efficiency and low operating costs. The axial fan is typically positioned at the end of the bar or product and air is directed through the bar or product. The air is then released through the other end at a desired rate and temperature. This kind of system is often referred to as forced convection or self-contained cooling.
When it comes to cooling bars specifically, there are several benefits to using forced cooling. Forced cooling helps the bars cool rapidly, often bringing them below the target temperature before they reach the end of the production line. This helps to reduce the time it takes to cool the bars and allows them to be processed faster. This also eliminates the need for additional handling or processing of the bars after they have been cooled. Additionally, forced cooling helps to optimize the properties present in the bars, since the bars are cooling more quickly, less space is available for heat to spread out, which results in more opportunity for the desired properties of the bars to develop.
Admittedly, forced cooling can be expensive and requires significant energy input. But, the benefits of forced cooling make it worthwhile to consider. For example, when products that require precise temperatures are being produced, forced cooling can be very useful as it maintains the accuracy of the desired temperature. Furthermore, in some cases, forced cooling can be used in a multi-phase production process, for example: pre-heat treatment and post-cooling. This then allows for further automation on the production line.
While there are some drawbacks to forced cooling, it is still an efficient and effective way to cool bars and other metal products. The advantages of using forced cooling outweigh the costs, therefore, it should be strongly considered when looking to cool bars or other metal products quickly and accurately.
