Your machines need to be able to consistently work at full capacity to maintain maximum efficiency and productivity. But, just like all machines, they will need some assistance to keep them at peak performance. That’s where heat treating in Gastonia, NC comes in. Heat treatment can increase the strength and even change the manufacturability of your materials, which can improve machining and formability while also improving ductility.
Read on to learn more about heat treating and the various processes available.
What exactly is heat treating?
Heat treating is an incredibly valuable process that can drastically improve a product and its performance. The process includes the heating and subsequent cooling of metals to extreme temperatures in order to change their physical and mechanical properties. While this is quite intensive, it should never result in changing the shape of the item. The process is typically utilized to strengthen materials, but can also be used to alter the mechanical properties. It can benefit everything from basic parts to cutting-edge machines.
The different types of heat treating offered by J.F. Heat Treating Inc.
At J.F. Heat Treating Inc., we offer a full range of heat treatment services for all types of steel, parts, products and machines in our state-of-the-art professional lab. Here are just a few of our specialties when it comes to heat treating:
- Annealing: This is one of the most powerful heat treatment options for steel. Annealing involves heating the steel in a furnace to convert the whole steel to austenite. The steel then cools down gradually to room temperature through either hot sand or ashes. This will improve the machinability and increase the ductility of the metal. Steel is often annealed before processing to reduce the requirements of energy and load. It will also assist in strengthening the metal to sustain large strains without becoming prone to failure.
- Hardening: The effects of hardening include promoting maximum hardness and tenacity while also reaching minimum ductility. This is accomplished by heating the steel until the pearlite has turned into austenite before covering it in water. As a result, the exterior will be significantly stronger and more durable.
- Tempering: Tempering works to improve the mechanical properties and machinability by heating steel that has been quenched and hardened long enough that the metal can be equilibrated. Ultimately, the strength will be dependent on the temperature, but you’re guaranteed greater toughness.
- Normalizing: Normalized metals are harder and stronger than annealed steels, but with the same composition and a decreased ductility. The process involves heating the steel and maintaining that temperature for a set duration of time before allowing it to cool in the air. Normalizing is often performed on components that will be subjected to machining, as it is known to improve the machinability of high carbon, high speed and high tensile steels.
To learn more about how heat treating works or to set up an appointment, contact the professionals at J.F. Heat Treating Inc. today. Our team can work with all types of metals, parts and machines. Call us today to enjoy the benefits of heat treating in Gastonia, NC!