A mesh belt sintering furnace is a high-precision, high-temperature system designed for continuous processing of powder metallurgy (PM) components. To ensure long-term reliability, it is crucial to understand its key wear parts and follow a regular maintenance plan.
🔧 Common Wear Parts
Mesh Conveyor Belt
Material: Heat-resistant alloy (e.g., SUS 314, Inconel)
Function: Transports green parts through the sintering zones
Wear Symptoms: Belt sagging, distortion, oxidation, breakage
Maintenance Tip: Regularly check for belt tension, alignment, and surface wear
Heating Elements
Types: Molybdenum disilicide (MoSi₂), silicon carbide (SiC), Kanthal wires
Wear Symptoms: Reduced heating efficiency, visible damage, or open circuits
Maintenance Tip: Monitor resistance and temperature uniformity; replace aging elements
Ceramic Support Tubes / Radiant Tubes
Function: Shield heating elements and transmit heat
Wear Symptoms: Cracking or spalling due to thermal cycling
Maintenance Tip: Inspect after every production cycle or temperature spike
Insulation Materials (Refractory Lining)
Function: Maintain thermal efficiency and protect furnace casing
Wear Symptoms: Insulation shrinkage, cracks, or erosion
Maintenance Tip: Perform quarterly inspections, especially around hot zones
Drive Chains and Sprockets
Function: Control mesh belt movement
Wear Symptoms: Skipping, jerky motion, or chain elongation
Maintenance Tip: Lubricate with high-temp grease and ensure proper tension
Thermocouples and Sensors
Function: Monitor furnace temperature
Wear Symptoms: Inaccurate readings, calibration drift
Maintenance Tip: Replace periodically or if erratic readings are observed
Cooling Fans & Water-Cooling Systems
Function: Cool parts exiting the hot zone
Wear Symptoms: Fan noise, bearing failure, water leakage
Maintenance Tip: Clean filters, check flow rates, and flush cooling circuits
Seals and Gaskets (Atmosphere Chambers)
Function: Prevent atmosphere leakage
Wear Symptoms: Atmosphere loss, discoloration on parts
Maintenance Tip: Inspect for hardening or cracks monthly
Gas Distribution Tubes / Nozzles
Function: Deliver protective/reducing gases uniformly
Wear Symptoms: Blockage or corrosion
Maintenance Tip: Clean periodically and check for gas flow consistency
Best Practices for Prolonged Furnace Life
Maintain clean, dry working atmospheres
Avoid thermal shock: Ramp up/down temperatures slowly
Use high-quality replacement parts
Document all maintenance activities for traceability
Train operators and maintenance teams regularly
Proper care of wear components in a mesh belt sintering furnace is essential for uninterrupted production, consistent product quality, and long-term cost savings. Implementing a structured maintenance schedule and using high-grade spares will maximize furnace uptime and process reliability.
