Solution and age

Ageing is a process used to increase strength by producing precipitates of the alloying material within the metal structure. Solution treatment is the heating of an alloy to a suitable temperature, holding it at that temperature long enough to cause one or more constituents to enter into a solid solution and then cooling it rapidly enough to hold these constituents in solution. Subsequent precipitation heat treatments allow controlled release of these constituents either naturally (at room temperature) or artificially (at higher temperatures).

Solution and age: Aluminium alloys

Heat Treatment of aluminium alloys. Many wrought and cast aluminium alloys can be strengthened by solution treating and ageing to a variety of different tempers.

Solution and age: Nickel alloys

The properties of heat treatable nickel-based alloys can be enhanced by selection of appropriate heat treating parameters.

Precipitation hardening: Stainless steels

Precipitation heat treatments strengthen materials by allowing the controlled release of constituents to form precipitate clusters which significantly enhance the strength of the component.