Different methods are available to make steel more durable and harder, something which is done often in conjunction with increased corrosion resistance. However, at times steel must be softened in this process is carried out by annealing heat treatment.
The Process
Different types of annealing are used. However, the process usually involves heating steel in a furnace until it exceeds its upper critical temperature, or recrystallization temperature, and then letting it cool down. This process changes the microstructure to austenite and moves the metal nearer to an equilibrium state. The entire process reduces the compression tensile strength of the steel, giving a greater malleability.
Normalization
Similar to annealing heat treatment, normalization is a form of heat treatment often performed on steel. The process involves the heating of steel to a temperature greater than its critical point. Then, the steel is kept at that temperature until grain refinement takes place. A more uniform and more machinable piece of steel is the result.
Tempering
As with normalization, tempering involves heating the steel in a furnace. The difference between normalization tempering is that with tempering the steel is heated to a temperature below its critical point which produces a microstructure referred to as martensite. This microstructure is not as brittle and hard, making it less prone to chipping and breaking.
Purposes for Stainless Steel Annealing
There are various reasons why stainless steel may be annealed. First, the annealing process increases ductility and reduces hardness by producing a less coarse grain on the metal’s surface, allowing the metal to be shaped and stretched into items such as castings and wires. Second, the process makes it more machinable, enabling it to be more easily shaped or cut machine tools.
It comes to stainless steel annealing heat treatment services, it’s important that these services are comprehensive in nature and do not cut corners on quality. A heat treating company with more than four decades of experience will have the capacity to perfect the annealing process.
Contact a trusted provider of heat treatment and annealing services today to learn more about your options and potential benefits from these services.