Tag: Heat treatment of stainless steels

Heat treatment of stainless steels

Heat treatment is important for stainless steels as it enables the adjustment of their mechanical properties, such as hardness, strength, and ductility. It also enhances their corrosion resistance and relieves internal stresses, resulting in improved performance and suitability for various applications.

How heat treatment for stainless steels works

Heat treatment of stainless steels typically involves three main steps: heating, holding at a specific temperature, and cooling. The material is heated to a precise temperature to induce desired transformations in its microstructure. It is then held at that temperature for a specific duration to allow for the desired changes to occur. Finally, the material is cooled at a controlled rate, which determines the final properties of the stainless steel.

Upgrade at Spanish stainless mill

Aços Villares SA will install a new Kocks/Danieli 4-pass RSB Reducing and Sizing Block as a further upgrading of its special and stainless steel bar and rod mill in Pindamonhangaba.

Stainless metering pumps

Pompe Cucchi (Italy) has introduced new magnetic coupled gear metering pumps. The standard version is made of AISI 316L stainless steel.

Stainless gear metering pumps

Pompe Cucchi has introduced new stainless-steel gear-metering pumps.

On-line heat treatment

In January 2003, operation restarted at ABS Luna's ONA (ON-line Annealing) chamber, which had been down for major modifications, including doubling chamber's length.

Titanium seminar

The TIG will be holding a one-day seminar entitled "So you want to make it in titanium?" at Austincourt, Birmingham, UK, on 16 October 2002.

IOM Academy launched

The Materials Processing Initiative (MPI) of the Institute of Materials, has launched the IOM Academy to provide industry with interactive, online, training packages in materials engineering.

New welding consumables for nuclear industry

Sandvik Steel has launched a new range of welding wire, covered and strip electrodes and fluxes for welding nuclear steam generator tubing.

Stainless is painless

Digicom-Matsu Industries of Los Angeles has introduces a device that promises to heat pain away, anytime, anywhere without electricity.

Sandvik offers new welding wire

Sandvik Steel has launched a new range of welding wire, covered and strip electrodes and fluxes for welding nuclear steam generator tubing.

Cornes in pact with Krupp VDM

Nickel alloys supplier Philip Cornes, part of the TW Metals Group, has signed a new agreement with Krupp VDM GmbH for the exclusive UK distribution of its nickel alloy sheet and plate.


Heat treatment is crucial for stainless steels due to several reasons. Firstly, it allows for the customization of the material’s mechanical properties. By subjecting the stainless steel to controlled heating and cooling processes, it is possible to achieve specific hardness, strength, toughness, and ductility levels tailored to the intended application. This enables the material to meet the required performance criteria, ensuring it can withstand various mechanical stresses and loads.

Secondly, heat treatment of stainless steels plays a vital role in enhancing the corrosion resistance of stainless steels. Certain heat treatment methods, such as solution treatment and aging, can refine the microstructure and promote the formation of corrosion-resistant phases, reducing the susceptibility to rust and other forms of degradation.

Heat treatment for stainless steels is essential for relieving internal stresses that may have been induced during manufacturing processes like welding or cold working. This stress relief minimizes the risk of cracking, distortion, or premature failure of the stainless steel components.

Heat treatment is a key process to optimize the mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and structural integrity of stainless steels, ensuring their suitability for a wide range of applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and manufacturing.