Heat Treatment of Alloy Steels

Forges and heat treatment of metal have been used for years to achieve desired results for tools.

Heat has been used to treat alloy steels in manufacturing. Heat-treated alloy steel allows the steel to become more pliable and increases desirable qualities in the steel in terms of strength and durability.

Durable Steel

Heat-treating steel changes certain attributes of the metals that comprise alloys depending on the specific use. According to Fastenal, alloy properties such as strength, hardness, ductility, toughness and wear resistance are all influenced by heat treatment.

Heat Levels

The temperature used to heat the metal may vary. According to AJH Knives, ball bearing steel needs to be forged around 2000 degrees F, yet carbon chromium spring steel is heated closer to 1650 degrees F.

Methods & Process

Alloy steels are placed into forges at high temperatures, before they go through the annealing process. During annealing, the metal is treated with a solution to harden the metal and crystallize desired components. The metal hardens and is later cooled and cleaned.

References

• Fastenal: Heat Treatment: Heat Treatment of Carbon Steels and Carbon Alloy Steels
• Efunda: Objectives of Heat Treatments
• AJH Knives: Blade Steels, Steel Anaylsis and Heat Treating Methods
• Azom Materials: Stainless Steel Heat Treatment

Resources

• Engineers Edge Solutions by Design: Heat Treating Terms and Definitions
• Moldmaking Technology: Steel Heat Treating