Heat treatment is a controlled process, performed by metallurgists and engineers, which is used to alter the microstructure of materials such as metals and alloys to impart properties which benefit the working life of a component, for example increased surface hardness, temperature resistance, ductility and strength.
Although modern techniques are scientifically advanced processes, mankind has used heat treatment to improve the properties of metals for thousands of years. In many instances, heat treatment is a vital part of the manufacture of a component and is generally used as either an intermediate process, for example to improve machinability or hot and cold working properties, or a finishing process where the treatment is required to impart final specific properties such as wear and corrosion resistance.
Heat treatment includes an extensive range of heating and cooling processes, each with the purpose of manipulating the material microstructure to achieve desired mechanical or metallurgical properties. Modern furnaces are capable of very precise temperature and atmosphere controls which, in turn, enable the experienced metallurgist to optimise treatments.
Heat treatment is a controlled process, performed by metallurgists and engineers, which is used to alter the microstructure of materials such as metals and alloys to impart properties which benefit the working life of a component, for example increased surface hardness, temperature resistance, ductility and strength.
Although modern techniques are scientifically advanced processes, mankind has used heat treatment to improve the properties of metals for thousands of years. In many instances, heat treatment is a vital part of the manufacture of a component and is generally used as either an intermediate process, for example to improve machinability or hot and cold working properties, or a finishing process where the treatment is required to impart final specific properties such as wear and corrosion resistance.
Heat treatment includes an extensive range of heating and cooling processes, each with the purpose of manipulating the material microstructure to achieve desired mechanical or metallurgical properties. Modern furnaces are capable of very precise temperature and atmosphere controls which, in turn, enable the experienced metallurgist to optimise treatments.
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