If you’re not in the business of heattreating metals in Michigan, you might be wondering what heat treating
is all about. What does the term mean? Why is it done? What benefits and
advantages can it provide? A company like Hi-Tech Steel
can provide heat treating services and more, plus answer any other questions
you may have.
What does heat
treating mean?
Heat treating is a process that alters the physical (and
sometimes chemical) properties of a given material. It is also used to
manufacture other common materials, like glass. When something is being
treated, extreme hot and cold temperatures are used to achieved the desired
result, which is usually the softening or hardening of that material.
Why is it done?
It is an attempt to improve the mechanical and physical
properties of a material for a given application. In layman’s terms, it simply
means it’s a way to make sure that the material being used is at its best for
what it will eventually be used for. However, the metal is not necessarily
being hardened. Some of these treatments are used to soften the metal for
operations like machining, cold forging and deep drawing. Sometimes the desired
end result is wear resistance and increased strength. Other times, highly defined edges must be
maintained for cutting tools made of steel, so heat treating these materials is
critical.
What are the benefits
and advantages?
The main benefit of heat treating is to increase the
strength of the material, but it can also improve formability, restore
ductility after a cold working operation and improve machining.
For more information
…
Visit Hi-Tech Steel’s website and learn more about the
process. Or if you’re in the market for heat treating, give us a call at (800)
835-8294 or contact us online.
