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Solution annealing is a bulk heat treatment applied to austenitic stainless steels aimed at refining the material structure through the dissolution of carbides that form within the alloy. This phenomenon occurs at the austenitic grain boundaries after low-temperature processing operations such as deep drawing.
The treatment is mainly applied to austenitic stainless steels such as AISI 304, AISI 316 and similar grades.
The process improves corrosion resistance, especially intergranular corrosion resistance, and enhances formability in plastic deformation processes.
CHARACTERISTICS
Type of treatment:
Bulk heat treatment
Process description:
the process takes place at high temperatures, above 1000°C, under controlled conditions, followed by rapid quenching using pressurized nitrogen.
The cycle does not require any subsequent tempering treatment and is generally very short, as the components typically have thin sections and rapidly reach the treatment temperature.
The process is designed to ensure the absence of surface discoloration or oxidation.
ADVANTAGES
- Reduction of intergranular corrosion
- Improved general corrosion resistance
- Increased formability in plastic deformation processes
- Elimination of cracks and stretching in deep drawing operations
PROCESSABLE MATERIALS
- austenitic stainless steels (AISI 304, AISI 316 and similar grades)
EQUIPMENT
Total number of furnaces: 2
- No. 1 vacuum furnace 700 mm x 600 mm x 1100 mm
- No. 1 vacuum furnace 900 mm x 900 mm x 1200 mm
Operating temperature range: from 500 to 1300°C
Vacuum level: 10⁻³
Maximum quenching pressure: 10 bar
Cooling medium: nitrogen
APPLICATION EXAMPLES
Industrial
- filter bodies, pump housings, tanks, vessels in AISI 304 / AISI 316
- nuts, tie rods and bolts in AISI 304