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Ageing is a bulk heat treatment performed in controlled atmosphere, characterized by heating followed by cooling in air. The process modifies the steel microstructure through precipitation and structural stabilization mechanisms.
The treatment leads to an increase in hardness and an improvement in tensile strength and yield strength.
The process is applicable to materials whose microstructure can benefit from carbide and nitride precipitation or strain ageing mechanisms.
CHARACTERISTICS
Type of treatment:
Bulk heat treatment in controlled atmosphere
Process description:
The steel is heated in a furnace under controlled atmosphere at a temperature ranging from 450 to 650°C, depending on the material type. It is then cooled in still air, promoting precipitation phenomena and microstructural stabilization.
ADVANTAGES
- Increased mechanical strength (higher yield strength and tensile strength)
- Good dimensional stability
PROCESSABLE MATERIALS
- micro-alloyed steels (HSLA)
- precipitation hardening stainless steels (PH)
- Maraging steels (Fe-Ni high-strength alloys)
EQUIPMENT
Total number of furnaces: 2
Operating temperature range: up to 850°C
APPLICATION EXAMPLES
Industrial
- shafts, transmissions and pump bodies in 17-4PH
Aerospace
- valve bodies in 17-4PH
- landing gear components in 13-8Mo
Automotive
- hubs and wheel carriers in 17-4PH
- racing transmissions in Maraging 300
Oil & Gas and Energy
- high-pressure valves, stems and fittings
- impellers in 17-4PH