Age Hardening Services / Precipitation Hardening Services

Enhance the Strength and Performance of Metals and Alloys
 

Our specialized Age Hardening Service, also known as Precipitation Hardening, is designed to elevate the tensile and yield strength of a wide range of materials, including alloys of aluminum, magnesium, titanium, nickel, and select stainless steels. This process induces significant changes in both physical and mechanical properties by generating fine particles of a precipitate phase. These particles act as formidable obstacles, impeding the movement of dislocations or defects within a crystal's lattice.

Mechanism Behind Age Hardening

As dislocations often govern plasticity, the introduction of precipitates effectively strengthens the material. Similar to the role of particle substances in particle-reinforced composite materials, precipitates alter the properties of the material. Much like the varied outcomes of ice formation in the atmosphere, the precipitation in solids can yield particles of different sizes, each with distinct properties. Unlike standard tempering processes, alloys undergoing age hardening require elevated temperatures for an extended period to facilitate precipitation, a stage known as aging. This crucial time delay is often referred to as Solution Treatment and Aging, denoted as "STA" in metals specifications and certifications.

Age Hardening Service Properties

  • High Tensile Strength and Hardness: Achieve superior tensile strength and hardness properties with our age hardening process.

  • Improved Wear Resistance: Enhance the material's wear resistance, ensuring prolonged durability.

  • Reduced Ductility/Toughness: While increasing strength, there may be a reduction in ductility and toughness properties.

  • Easy Machinability: Our process allows for convenient machinability in the soft state before age hardening.

  • Low-Temperature Process: Age hardening is performed at low temperatures, ensuring optimal results.

  • Minimal Distortion: Experience little-to-no distortion of the part or component during the age hardening process.

  • Alloy Suitability: Note that not all alloys are age-hardenable; proper solution-treat annealing is a prerequisite before aging.

Applications of Age Hardening Service

Our Age Hardening Service is tailored for metal parts and components requiring increased yield strength, including but not limited to:

  • Aluminum, magnesium, nickel, titanium, and stainless steel parts
  • Gate valves
  • Engine parts
  • Processing equipment
  • Shafts, gears, plungers
  • Valve stems
  • Balls and bushings
  • Turbine blades
  • Moulding dies
  • Nuclear waste casks
  • Fasteners
  • Aircraft parts

Choose our specialized services to unlock the full potential of age hardening and precipitation hardening for your metal components. Elevate their strength, durability, and wear resistance with our proven expertise.


Industrial Heat Treating Overview
We provide a comprehensive list of services that can be combined to provide a perfect process for your components.
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