Annealing Heat Treatment
Annealing is a scientific technique that modifies the microstructure of metal. It can increase metal’s ductility and decrease its internal stress and hardness, allowing the material to be molded without cracking. This method is especially effective for too-hard or brittle steels for shaping.
The annealing heat treating furnaces function by heating the material over its recrystallization temperature but below its melting point. The process eliminates grain stress and slowly cools the material to room temperature, forming ductile grains.
Annealing is used in industries where metals must be complexly shaped or reformed, including:
- Medical
- Automotive
- Forging
- Ferrous castings
- Electrical – transformers and motors