The concept of heat treatment dates back to the early 20th century, when it was first used in industry to enhance the properties of metals.
Heat treatment involves heating a metal to a high temperature and then cooling it slowly to relieve internal stresses and achieve a desired microstructure. This process can be applied using various methods, including annealing, quenching, and tempering.
The primary goal of heat treatment is to improve the mechanical properties of metals, such as strength, toughness, and ductility. By understanding how different temperatures and cooling rates affect metal microstructure, engineers and metallurgists can design materials that meet specific performance requirements in various applications, including aerospace, automotive, and energy industries.
Learn more about heat treatment