Services

Heat Treatment

To create the strongest, most resistant parts possible, we employ a variety of heat treatment processes and techniques, all backed by the latest equipment and decades of metalworking expertise. From vacuum heat treating and quenching to annealing and normalizing – and a number of other services – we heat-treat critical parts and tools for an extended life of reliable use.

The Results You Want, the Precision You Demand

heat treat processesIn heat treat processes, precision matters. Our team has a long history of meeting the exact specifications and end-properties for even the most critical components. From proper racking to the correct ramping of temperatures; from understanding the properties of a given material to knowing which quenching medium to use; we have the experience and know-how to ensure the job is done right from beginning to end.

the basics of heat treating

Very little can be manufactured without heat treating, a process in which metal is heated and cooled under tight controls to improve its properties, performance, and durability.

heat treated partsHeat treating can soften metal, to improve formability. It can make parts harder, to improve strength, and it can toughen brittle products.

Heat treated parts are essential to many industries – automotive, aerospace, technology & semiconductor, and power generation.
Although iron and steel account for most heat-treated materials, alloys of aluminum, copper, magnesium, nickel and titanium may also be heat treated.

Heat treat processes require three basic steps:

  1. Heating to a specified temperature
  2. Holding at that temperature for the appropriate amount of time
  3. Cooling according to prescribed methods

heat treat processes precisionAalberts surface technologies’ vacuum furnaces are capable of temperature ranges from 600F to 2350 F. The temperature range of our air atmosphere units is 225F to 2050F. Time at temperature may vary from a few seconds to hours, based on customer requirements.

Some materials are cooled slowly in the furnace, but others must be cooled quickly, or quenched. Certain cryogenic processes require treatment at -120°F or lower. Aalberts surface technologies-accurate brazing quench media include water and various gases and depends on the base material requirements as well as the furnace capabilities. Each quench media has specific characteristics that make it ideal for certain applications.

vacuum heat treat

Vacuum heat treating allows for uniform heating and cooling which minimizes distortion and provides excellent metallurgical properties.

HAVE A HEAT TREATMENT QUESTION?

If you’re looking for specific heat treatment results, we will determine which processes are involved and which of our locations is best suited for your needs. If you’d like to discuss your requirements, contact us today to start the conversation or request a quote here.