Residual Stress Reduction Degree

The percentage reduction of internal mechanical stresses through targeted heat treatment or mechanical methods. It quantifies the geometric stability of the component.

When welding, stress builds up in the material, which can later lead to distortion. You get that under control by stress-relief annealing the component after welding – i.e., deliberately reheating and slowly cooling it. How hot and for how long depends on the material; you have to follow the data sheet. If you skip that, the distortion stays in and the part can crack later.

MetallurgieSchweißtechnik