Alloy Precipitation Age Hardening

Generally referred to as either Precipitation Hardening or Age Hardening. There are certain alloys [commonly some types of stainless steels, Aluminium and copper-based alloys] that will through harden by this method. The treatment typically involves a “solution treatment” which is carried out at high temperature followed by one or more “ageing” Treatments at lower temperatures to achieve the correct hardness [note. The material only hardens after the ageing treatment]. Care must be taken to purchase the material in the best state for manufacturing the component and ensuring that this information is communicated to the heat treater.