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Subcritical Annealing

Heat treatment below the lower transformation temperature to relieve residual stresses and restore ductility without significant microstructural alteration.

Subcritical annealing is done below the transformation temperature. No microstructure transformation occurs, only stresses are relieved and the material remains ductile. After welding, this is important to prevent cracks or distortion from residual stresses. Heat the part evenly and hold it at temperature for a while. If you go too hot, you change the microstructure and ruin everything. The part should then cool slowly to avoid new stresses.

MetallurgieSchweißtechnik

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