Solution annealing

 

When machining austenitic, non-rusting steels, undesirable changes in the material structure can occur, which can negatively alter the material properties.

 

Steels with certain alloy compositions are called austenitic steels because they form a so-called austenitic structure during (slow) cooling from the melt, which results in certain material properties, such as high corrosion resistance, very high toughness and good weldability.

However, if cooling takes place too quickly, certain alloys may form undesirable crystals of other phases (e.g. ferrite) which do not dissolve again.

For example, when welding some austenitic steels, the cooling of the welded areas takes place so quickly that the ferritic crystals that have formed in the meantime do not have enough time to transform back into an austenitic structure. In these areas, the workpiece then has different properties, for example in terms of toughness or corrosion resistance.

Solution annealing counteracts this. In this process, the workpiece is specifically brought to a suitable temperature (for steels approximately between 1020 and 1080° C) at which its mechanical strength is retained but the crystal structure can transform back into an austenitic structure. This temperature is maintained long enough for the undesirable ferritic crystals to dissolve and transform into austenitic ones.

Lösungsglühen Schweißnaht Edelstahl

Lösungsglühen

Corrosion of a weld along a ferritic phase in an austenitic microstructure

Of course, KITTEC also offers suitable furnaces for solution annealing. In our product overview you will find, for example, our range of annealing and hardening furnaces which are suitable for solution annealing depending on the requirements. In this context, we would like to refer in particular to our model series CLM and CLU, as well as to our bogie hearth furnaces of the CTH model series. You can also find suitable accessories, such as the hardening table in our offer.

KITTEC Härteofen CLM 50 offen mit Härtetisch

KITTEC CLU 70 Frontlader offen

KITTEC CTH

KITTEC Härtetisch

Depending on the application, we can also develop completely individual solutions for you. Our special construction experts will be happy to advise you individually and help you find a suitable solution from our large product range.

For more than 40 years, we have been specialists in kilns for a wide range of applications, from private use to industrial production. We will be happy to advise you personally which of our kilns is best suited for your needs. Our selection of kilns varies in design, size and desired temperature range.

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