Ford Motor Company
METHODS TO AVOID OVER-DEVELOPED ALUMINIZED COATINGS DURING HOT STAMPING LINE STOPPAGES

Abstract:

A method of treating a blank is provided. The method includes moving a blank through a first section of a furnace at an inter-critical temperature and through a second section of the furnace at a critical temperature greater than the inter-critical temperature before hot stamping the blank. Movement of the blank from the first section to the second section of the furnace is delayed during a hot stamping line stoppage. The blank is in the first section of the furnace for a first time period and in the second section of the furnace a second time period less than the first time period. Also, the first section of the furnace may have a first length and in the second section of the furnace may have a second length that is less than the first length.