Stress relieving is a general term in heat treating describing a wide range of processes. Generally stress relieving involves heating a part to a temperature at which the yield strength is sufficiently low to the point which internal stresses can relieve themselves. Higher temperatures and longer times are beneficial and will yield a part with lower internal stress. Temperatures are always below the point at which there is a change of phase in steel.
ThermTech’s Capability to Stress Relieve Components
ThermTech has capability to stress relieve components up to 13’ long, 8’ wide and 4’ high. If surface oxidation is of concern stress relieving can be done in atmosphere or vacuum. Please call ThermTech for size capacities in this situation. ThermTech’s staff of professionals is always available for advice if questions arise.
Stress Relieving Process
Stress relieving is a process used on materials ranging from plastics, steel to non-ferrous materials such as copper alloys and aluminum. For non-ferrous materials temperatures are comparatively low ranging from about 200F for plastics to 900F for copper alloys. When stress relieving steel and iron the typical stress relieving temperatures range from 1000F to 1300F.
ThermTech’s Recommendations for Effective Stress Relieving
Typically there is very little distortion during stress relieving however some considerations may be required for long slender components or plates that are heavily cold worked.