Stress Peak Mitigation via Tempering

When stress-relieving after welding, the component is heated below the transformation temperature and held there. This relieves internal stresses that arise during cooling of the weld. This makes the structure tougher and reduces the risk of cracking. The correct temperature and holding time depend on the material – you must use the data for the specific steel and let the part cool slowly and evenly. If you go too hot or too fast, you miss the purpose and make the part worse.