Heat Treatment

Heat treatment enhances the performance of metal by altering its microstructure. It also reduces internal stress, increases wear resistance and enhances ductility, toughness and corrosion resistance. It makes parts easier to machine and more reliable under demanding conditions. 

Mechanical Property Enhancement: Heat treatment hardens metal, making it stronger and more resistant to deformation. It enables metal to handle stress and bending forces without failing. It can also enhance a metal part’s wear resistance, critical for applications where it’s exposed to repeated abrasion.

Stress & Workability Improvements: Heat treatment relieves internal stresses created during manufacturing, which prevents warping and makes parts less prone to cracking. This is especially important for 3D printed metal parts made using DMLS and for metal castings. Annealing, a specific type of heat treatment, softens metal, making it easier to machine, cut and form.