Common Types of Heat Treatment and Their Purpose
Knowledge

Common Types of Heat Treatment and Their Purpose

In order to make metal workpieces have the required mechanical properties, physical properties and chemical properties, besides reasonable selection of materials and various forming processes, heat treatment processes are often essential. Heat treatment generally does not change the shape and overall chemical composition of the workpiece, but imparts or improves the performance of the workpiece by changing the microstructure inside the workpiece or changing the chemical composition on the surface of the workpiece. Its characteristic is to improve the internal quality of the workpiece, and its function is to improve the mechanical properties of the material, eliminate residual stress and improve the machinability of the metal.
Published: Dec 13, 2022
Common Types of Heat Treatment and Their Purpose

Heat treatment is to heat the metal material to a certain temperature, keep it warm for a certain period of time, and then cool it down to room temperature or lower at a certain rate, so as to improve the structure of the material and obtain a material with excellent performance. It generally refers to the treatment of metal materials, especially steel. Commonly used classification methods include normalizing, annealing, quenching, tempering and surface hardening.

The following introduces the types and purposes of eight common heat treatments:

  1. Normalizing
  2. Type:

    • Ordinary normalization
    • Two-stage normalization
    • Secondary normalization
    • Isothermal Normalization

    Purpose:

    • Eliminate the bad structure produced by processing, and normalize the steel, so as to facilitate the subsequent manufacturing process.
    • Make coarser grains finer and improve mechanical properties.

  3. Annealing
  4. Type:

    • Diffusion annealing
    • Fully annealed
    • Isothermal annealing
    • Low temperature annealing
    • Relaxation annealing
    • Spheroidizing annealing

    Purpose:

    • Diffusion and homogenization of alloy components.
    • Adjust the organization.
    • Soften to improve normal temperature workability and machinability.
    • Stress relief.
    • Carbide spheroidization to improve workability and mechanical properties.
    • Eliminate hydrogen embrittlement.

  5. Quenching
  6. Type:

    • Ordinary quenching
    • Time quenching (interrupted quenching)
    • Hemp Tempering (US)
    • Voss Temper

    Purpose:

    • Hardened, ie strengthened steel.

  7. Subzero Treatment
  8. Disadvantages of residual washer field iron:

    • Poor quenching hardness (insufficient, uneven)
    • Poor wear resistance
    • Quenching deformation is large
    • Dimensional stability becomes poor during use, or even damaged

    Purpose:

    • After quenching, the residual washer field iron is treated below 0 ℃ to transform it into moss field iron.

  9. Tempering
  10. Type:

    • Low temperature tempering
    • High temperature tempering

    Purpose:

    • Eliminate the stress of quenched Ma Tian loose iron
    • Organizational stabilization
    • Adjust mechanical properties (i.e. toughness)

  11. Induction Hardening
  12. Type:

    • High frequency induction hardening
    • Medium frequency induction hardening
    • Low frequency induction hardening

    Purpose:

    • Utilize the induction heating effect of high-frequency current, and then apply quenching hardening. Harden the surface of the steel and generate surface compressive stress, improving the fatigue resistance of the workpiece.

  13. Carburizing
  14. Type:

    • Solid carburizing
    • Liquid carburizing
    • Gas carburizing

    Purpose:

    • Improve surface hardness and wear resistance
    • Improve the fatigue resistance of the workpiece

  15. Nitriding
  16. Type:

    • Solid nitriding
    • Liquid nitriding
    • Gas nitriding
    • Ion Nitriding

    Purpose:

    • Improve surface hardness and wear resistance
    • Improve the corrosion resistance of the surface
    • Improve the heat resistance of the surface
    • Improve the fatigue resistance of the workpiece
Published by Dec 13, 2022 Source :SH SHUANG HO METAL

Further reading

You might also be interested in ...

Headline
Knowledge
Navigating Supply Chain Volatility - How to Choose a Medical Plastic Components Manufacturer for Rapid Scale-Up
The landscape of medical device manufacturing has shifted dramatically. The days of predictable, long-lead-time forecasting are fading. In their place is a market defined by volatility, rapid innovation cycles, and the urgent need for supply chain resilience. For medical device startups and established OEMs alike, the choice of a medical plastic components manufacturer is no longer just about cost—it is about speed and agility.
Headline
Knowledge
Understanding Dynamic Balance and Clamping Mechanics in Modern CNC Tool Holders
Precision machining has become increasingly dependent on the performance of the CNC machine tool holder, a component often underestimated in its influence on accuracy, surface finish, and tool life. With today’s high-speed spindles, multi-axis machining centers, and micro-tolerance production standards, the interaction between dynamic balance, runout behavior, and clamping mechanics has never been more critical. This article provides a neutral, engineering-focused analysis of these performance factors and introduces several leading global manufacturers contributing to advancements in tool-holding technology.
Headline
Knowledge
How Hydraulic Power Units (HPUs) Support Green Manufacturing and Energy Efficiency — A Technical Perspective
As manufacturers pursue energy efficiency and carbon reduction, hydraulic systems are being re-engineered to meet green manufacturing standards. Modern Hydraulic Power Units (HPUs), enabled by servo pumps and intelligent control, now deliver on-demand power with significantly lower energy loss, noise, and heat generation.
Headline
Knowledge
How Patent Screws Enhance the Long-Term Durability of Exterior Walls and Roof Systems
In today’s construction industry, the durability of exterior walls and roof assemblies depends not only on design or materials but also on the Patent Screws that secure them. These fasteners endure constant exposure to moisture, UV light, and temperature changes. Traditional screws often fail under these conditions, causing corrosion, leaks, or costly maintenance. This article explores how Patent Screws, with their patented coatings and sealing systems, help engineers and procurement professionals achieve long-term reliability in demanding environments.
Headline
Knowledge
Integrated Plastic Production Workflows: Recycling, Extrusion, and Beyond
In the manufacturing sector, integrated workflows for plastic production—from recycling to film extrusion, bag making, and printing—play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and sustainability. These systems enable manufacturers to handle the full lifecycle of plastic materials, addressing environmental concerns while optimizing operational costs. As industries shift toward circular economies, understanding these processes provides valuable insights for both new entrants and established operations seeking upgrades.
Headline
Knowledge
Designing Corrosion-Resistant Plastic Magnetic Pumps: Engineering for Longevity
True corrosion resistance is achieved not by material choice alone, but by how materials are engineered into a cohesive pump structure.
Headline
Knowledge
How to Choose the Right Blow Molding Machine: A Practical Buyer’s Guide
In the competitive world of polymer container manufacturing, choosing the right blow molding machine is a strategic decision. A poorly selected machine can lead to inefficiencies, excessive costs, or frequent downtime. In this guide, we present a neutral, buyer-oriented roadmap to help procurement engineers, plant owners, and OEM decision-makers evaluate and select blow molding equipment that truly matches their production needs.
Headline
Knowledge
How Magnetic Drive Pumps Enhance Chemical Reliability in the Evolving Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Industry
The global Printed Circuit Board (PCB) industry is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by technological upgrades, supply chain restructuring, and rising demand from high-performance electronics. With the market expected to grow from USD 80.3 billion in 2024 to USD 96.5 billion by 2029, manufacturers must focus on improving production stability, chemical reliability, and environmental compliance to stay competitive.
Headline
Knowledge
How to Choose the Right Ball Bearing Drawer Slide: Light, Medium, or Heavy Duty?
Choosing the right Ball Bearing Drawer Slide is essential for smooth operation, reliable load support, and long-lasting performance.
Headline
Knowledge
Stop the Stress: 5 Non-Negotiable Questions to Ask Your Bubble Tea Ingredient Supplier Today
Opening a bubble tea shop is exciting, but the reality is built on a complex, global supply chain.
Headline
Knowledge
Exploring the Pros and Cons of Seal-less Magnetic Drive Pumps in Industrial Use
Industrial process engineers are increasingly adopting seal-less magnetic drive pumps to enhance system safety and reliability. Unlike traditional pumps that rely on mechanical seals, magnetic drive pumps offer a fully enclosed structure that eliminates leakage risks—a major advantage when dealing with corrosive or toxic liquids.
Headline
Knowledge
H-Beams and I-Beams: Modern Cutting Methods for Structural Steel
In structural engineering projects such as bridges, high-rise buildings, and industrial facilities, the accurate cutting of H-beams and I-beams is vital for ensuring safety and structural integrity. Fabricators utilize a variety of cutting methods to meet project demands, including laser cutting, plasma cutting, water jet cutting, and large band saws.
Agree