INGOT HEATING METHOD Russian patent published in 1999 - IPC

FIELD: plastic working of metals, in particular, heating of blanks of high-melting point high-reaction metals and alloys, for instance titanium alloys, for hot plastic deformation. SUBSTANCE: method involves charging ingots into heated furnace; holding ingots in furnace, with temperature in working space of furnace being gradually increased. Prior to heating, ingots are laid on furnace hearth with their upper (head) ends oriented toward furnace center and held there till predetermined temperature is reached. EFFECT: improved quality of ingots by uniform heating of all ingot zones and reduced surface defects during hot deformation. 1 ex