Solution Heat Treatment of Aluminum Alloys

Solution annealing of aluminum alloys is about completely dissolving the alloying elements in the matrix. To do this, the material is brought to a specific temperature and held there until the structure is homogeneous. If you don't hit the temperature or holding time, components remain undissolved and the structure becomes uneven – this can later lead to cracks. You must not go too hot either, otherwise you'll burn the alloy and the mechanical properties suffer. After annealing, you must quench quickly to freeze the state.