What is annealing

What is annealing?

Annealing is a metal heat treatment process in which the metal is slowly heated to a certain temperature, kept for a sufficient time, and then cooled at an appropriate rate. Annealing heat treatment is divided into complete annealing, incomplete annealing and stress relief annealing. The mechanical properties of annealed materials can be tested by tensile test or hardness test.

Many steels are supplied in an annealed heat-treated state. The hardness of steel can be tested by Rockwell hardness tester to test HRB hardness. For thinner steel plates, steel strips and thin-walled steel pipes, the HRT hardness can be tested using a surface Rockwell hardness tester. 

Annealing purpose:

① Improve or eliminate various structural defects and residual stresses caused by cast steel, forging, rolling and welding, and prevent workpiece deformation and cracking.

② Soften the workpiece to be cut.

③ Refine the grains and improve the structure to improve the mechanical properties of the workpiece.

④ Prepare the organization for final heat treatment (quenching, tempering).

Application:

①Stainless steel sinks

②Copper