What is Heat Treating

Heat treating is the process of heating or cooling metals to change their physical and/or chemical properties.  The purpose of heat treating, while maintaining component size and shape, is to change the strength of the component to allow the component to perform a task.  The steps for heat treating are the same for all heat treat processes:

1. - Heat to certain temperature
2. - Maintain temperature for a specific duration.
3. - Cool the metal back to room temperature.

Heat treating processes vary depending on metal type and strength of metal needed for the component to perform.  Furnace temperature has the most effect on heat treating results.  Temperature requirements can range from 2375 F to 120 F below zero.

Depending on the heat rate, heat treating processes may require rapid or slow heating.  Improper heat treating can lead to loss of component integrity or in extreme cases, industrial accidents.

Katy Heat Treat
Bill Luce
bill@katyspring.com
281-392-4805