Patent ID: 6210500
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: C21D

Abstract:
A method of heat treat hardening thin planar sheet metal work pieces fabricated of heat treat hardenable metal, said method comprising:disposing the work piece in a fixture between opposing porous support walls thereof in such manner as to support the work piece against movement out of its plane while permitting the work piece to move within its plane;immersing the fixture and work piece in a first bath of liquid heating medium and allowing the medium to flow through the porous walls of the fixture and to intimately contact and uniformly heat the work piece to an elevated temperature; andremoving the fixture and work piece from the first bath and immersing the fixture and work piece in a second bath of liquid cooling medium and allowing the medium to flow through the porous walls of the fixture and intimately contact and uniformly cool the work piece to effect heat treat hardening of the work piece, with the work piece being substantially free to expand and contract within its plane during heating and cooling while being supported by the porous walls against movement out of its plane to prevent warpage of the work piece.