Annealing of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys is a bulk heat treatment performed in controlled atmosphere, characterized by heating followed by cooling in air. The process is used to modify the microstructural properties of materials, improving machinability and dimensional stability.
The treatment enables the reduction of internal residual stresses, increases ductility, improves machinability, and promotes microstructural homogenization.
The process is applicable to both ferrous and non-ferrous alloys.
CHARACTERISTICS
Type of treatment:
Bulk heat treatment in controlled atmosphere
Process description:
the material is heated in a furnace under controlled atmosphere at temperatures depending on the alloy:
- Steel: from 600 to 900°C, depending on composition
- Aluminum: from 300 to 400°C
- Copper and its alloys: from 250 to 500°C
After the soaking phase, slow cooling is carried out, generally in the switched-off furnace, in order to avoid thermal shock.
ADVANTAGES
- Increased ductility (greater formability and toughness)
- Reduced hardness (improved machinability)
- Removal of residual stresses (improved dimensional stability)
- Improved cold workability (suitable for subsequent plastic deformation)
PROCESSABLE MATERIALS
- ferrous alloys: carbon steels, high-alloy steels, cast irons
- non-ferrous alloys: aluminum, copper and copper alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, nickel and nickel alloys