Heat treated steel

Heat treatment is a process that aims to improve the mechanical properties of steel by appropriate heating and cooling of the material. Unlike hardening, heat treatment does not lead to abrupt changes in the crystal structure of steel, but affects its microstructure and the distribution of chemical components.

The heat treatment process consists of three stages - austenitization (heating steel to the appropriate temperature), isothermal holding (maintaining a constant temperature for a specified time) and cooling (under controlled conditions).

Properties of heat treated steel

Heat-treated steel is characterized by better mechanical properties than hardened steel , such as higher tensile strength, greater plasticity and better impact strength. It is also more resistant to corrosion and material fatigue.

Application of heat treated steel

Due to its advanced mechanical properties, heat-treated steel is used in many industries, such as automotive, aviation, energy and construction. It is used, among others, to produce crankshafts, cylinder liners, suspension elements and steel structures.

Heat-treated steel has a number of advantages. The most important of these include increased strength and hardness, which translates into better resistance to abrasion and corrosion. In addition, heat-treated steel is characterized by better plasticity and ductility, which allows for easier forming and mechanical processing.

In practice, this means that heat-treated steel can be used in places exposed to high loads or in difficult weather conditions. Examples of applications of such steel include structural elements of machines and devices, car parts, or elements of bridges and steel structures.