Heat treatment is a process used to modify the microstructure of steel to improve its properties. This involves heating and cooling the metal to specific temperatures, which can alter its mechanical properties.
Solidification Process
The solidification process is the first stage of heat treatment, where the steel is heated above its recrystallization temperature to form a solid phase. This helps to remove impurities and excess elements from the metal.
Post-solidification Treatment
In this stage, the steel is cooled slowly under controlled conditions to prevent thermal shock. This can include techniques such as quenching or tempering.
