In the production of furniture hardware, processes such as metal cleaning, pickling, passivation, and sealing are standard surface treatments that are crucial for enhancing material performance and extending the service life of the products. Controlling temperature and time during these processes is particularly critical, as they directly impact the effectiveness of the treatment and the quality of the final product.

1. Cleaning Process
Cleaning is the initial step to eliminate dirt and impurities from the surface of hardware metals. The cleaning temperature is typically maintained between 20-85°C, with higher temperatures facilitating the softening and removal of stubborn dirt. The duration of cleaning depends on the level of contamination and the characteristics of the material, usually ranging from 3 to 10 minutes.

If the temperature is excessively high or the cleaning time is prolonged, it may cause damage to the hardware metal surface; conversely, a shorter duration may leave residues. Thus, it is essential to select appropriate temperature and time settings to ensure effective cleaning.
 

2. Pickling Process
Pickling involves the removal of oxides and rust from the surface of hardware metals using acidic solutions. The pickling temperature is generally kept around room temperature, approximately 30°C, with the specific temperature depending on the type of acid and the metal material. The treatment duration is determined based on the degree of contamination and the metal's thickness, typically lasting from a few minutes to several tens of minutes.

A suitable temperature and time ensure the effectiveness of pickling while preventing excessive metal corrosion. During actual operations, it is also important to ensure the acid solution is stirred and evenly distributed to guarantee a uniform treatment effect.

3. Passivation Process
Passivation creates a dense oxide film on the surface of hardware metals to enhance their corrosion resistance. The passivation temperature is typically controlled between room temperature and 60°C, with treatment times generally ranging from 5 to 30 minutes. Proper temperature and time contribute to the formation of a stable and dense passivation film, providing superior protection. Excessive temperatures or extended durations may lead to the deterioration or even destruction of the passivation film.

4. Sealing Process
Sealing treatments are often used to further strengthen the protective layer on the metal surface, preventing the penetration of corrosive agents. The temperature and duration for sealing vary depending on the sealing agent and the metal material. For instance, some sealing processes might require a 5-minute exposure at 38°C. Proper control of temperature and time ensures that the sealing agent thoroughly penetrates the metal surface, forming an effective protective layer.

Importance of Temperature and Time Control and Optimization Suggestions
Temperature and time control are essential in processes such as cleaning, pickling, passivation, and sealing. They influence not only the treatment outcome but also the product's lifespan and safety. Operators must strictly adhere to process specifications and adjust temperature and time parameters according to actual conditions.

To optimize these processes, consider the following recommendations:
- Regularly train operators to enhance their skill level and adherence to operational standards.
- Implement advanced temperature and time control systems for precise regulation and reduced human error.
- Continuously refine process parameters based on actual conditions and experimental data to achieve optimal treatment effects.
- Strengthen safety measures to ensure the health and safety of operators.

Zhuokai meticulously manages the temperature and time parameters during the cleaning, pickling, passivation, and sealing processes in the production of furniture hardware accessories. Through extensive practice and optimization, the quality of hardware products has been significantly enhanced, elevating the quality and reputation of customers' furniture products. This underscores the significant role of temperature and time control in metal surface treatment processes within the furniture hardware production workflow.