3. Practical aspects

3.1 Furnaces. Tolerances

The precision of high-temperature solution treatments will, in most cases, require class 10 furnaces whose homogeneity will be verified within this range. For some modern materials, such as single crystals, or when grain size is to be controlled in the fast processing range, or when we wish to get closer to burning for optimum homogenization, class 5 furnaces will sometimes be required (or a homogeneous zone in class 5 of the furnace).

The associated measurement systems and their qualification must be in proportion. Similarly, the distribution of loads and their supports must be carefully studied.

The precision of tempering treatments may be less important; however, it is customary to use class 5 furnaces at intermediate...