Heat Treatment Metallurgy

Heat treatment is a controlled process used to alter the microstructure of metals and alloys such as steel and aluminum to impart properties which benefit the working life of a component. While long period of high temperature exposure will lead to undesirable effects on the performance of metallic materials.

STEMart provides various service to analyze the changes in microstructure and mechanical properties of metals and alloys due to high temperature processes such as welding and cutting.

Test Services

• Alpha case: Oxide scale will form on the surface of the titanium when it is exposed for long periods in elevated temperatures containing oxygen. Beneath this oxide scale a hard and brittle oxygen enriched layer is produced known as Alpha Case. Alpha Case decreases ductility, fracture toughness and fatigue life of titanium.
• Heat affected zone (HAZ): Heat affected zone is an area that didn't melt during cutting/welding, but has had its micro structural and mechanical properties altered due to the exposure to high temperature. These microstructural changes in the HAZ can lead to residual stresses, reduced material strength, increased brittleness, and decreased resistance to corrosion and/or cracking.
• Eutectic melting: Eutectic melting is the localized melting of the low melting eutectic composition in some alloys as a result of heat treatment. Eutectic melting causes a significant loss in ductility and resistance to fatigue cracking as a result.
• Diffusion cladding: Diffusion of copper and magnesium into the cladding during heat treatment processes reduces the electrochemical potential between the cladding and the core, such that the cladding no longer acts as protection against corrosion.
• High temperature oxidation (HTO): High temperature oxidation is the diffusion of hydrogen at the materials surface at high temperatures, which can cause the deterioration of aluminum and its properties.

For more information about our heat treatment metallurgy service, please contact us.