Heat treating is used to alter the microstructure of metal materials. This is done to create certain characteristics in the metal. Heat treating can be used to increase surface hardness, temperature resistance, ductility, and strength in a variety of metals.
The Basics of Heat Treating
There are three basic steps to heat treating. The first step involves heating the metal to a specific temperature. The metal must then be kept at the specific temperature for a certain length of time. Finally, the metal is cooled using the method appropriate to the type of heat treatment.
Annealing
Annealing is a heat treating process designed to increase the ductility of a material. It softens and makes the material more workable, which can help mold it into specific shapes.
Precipitation Hardening
Precipitation hardening is a heat treating process that is used to strengthen the material and improve its overall durability.
Tempering
Tempering is another heat treating process that improves the hardness and the toughness of the material. It is also used to reduce the brittleness of the metal.
Normalizing
Normalizing is a heat treating process that eliminates impurities. It creates a uniform microstructure that significantly strengthens the material.
Heat treating has many uses and can significantly increase the quality of a metal material. The use of heat treating can save money overall by increasing the durability of materials. Heat treating can be a valuable tool whenever you work with metal.