Status call that the furnace, or better the load thermocouple, has recovered to target temperature after charging. Heat treaters log the at-heat time on the traveler because every soak, carburizing segment and tempering hold is timed from it. Disagreement over whether at heat means furnace temperature or part temperature is a classic source of soft parts and audit findings.
Number three came back at heat at 2:40, log it on the traveler and set the timer for the soak.
Also heard as
- up to heat
- at temp
Related terms
Soak
To hold parts at a set temperature until they are evenly heated and the intended change is complete.
Hour per inch
Heat-treat rule of thumb that a part needs about one hour at temperature per inch of its thickest section.
Traveler
The paperwork that rides with a lot through the shop, recording each operation, furnace, time and result.
Charge
One batch of parts loaded into a furnace together, or the act of loading it.