Heat treatment of austenitic stainless steels

In summary, the conversation is about finding information on heat treatment specific to austenitic stainless steels. The person is looking for information on benefits, procedures, and equipment related to heat treating stainless steels and has found the ASM Handbook Vol. 4 to potentially be a useful resource. However, they are unsure if it contains the information they need and are looking for other sources as well. One person also mentions that austenitic stainless steels can only be cold worked for strength and other surface coatings can be applied for hardness or lubricity. Another person suggests looking for information on heat treatment to prevent intergranular corrosion.
  • #1
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I can't seem to find anything about the heat treatment specific to austenitic stainless steels.
(e.g. SS 304, SS 316L) The info I need is pretty much everything that has to do w/ the heat treatment of stainless steels (benefits, procedure/process, equipment ...)

The only thing I have found that might be relevant is
ASM Handbook Vol 4

As I do not have access to this
(could request purchase but must be sure that it provides the info I need)

I am wondering what kind of info is provided in the ASM handbook?
Also, are there any other sources in which I could find the info I need?
 
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  • #2
The austenetic stainless steels can not be heat treated, they can only be cold worked to increase strength. There are also many different kinds of surface coatings that can be done to them that will increase surface hardness or add lubricity but they don't typically penetrate the surface by more than a few thousandths of an inch.

There are stainless steels that can be heat treated such as the precipitation hardened and martensitic stainless steels.

Regarding ASM Handbook Vol. 4, you can take a quick look through the table of contents here:
http://www.knovel.com/web/portal/basic_search/display?_EXT_KNOVEL_DISPLAY_bookid=3108
Do you have any specific questions about it?
 
  • #3
The only working HT for austenitic SS i know is for the prevention of intergranular corrosion. Try looking for that.
 

1. What is the purpose of heat treatment for austenitic stainless steels?

Heat treatment is used to modify the microstructure of austenitic stainless steels in order to enhance their mechanical properties, such as strength, hardness, and ductility.

2. What are the different types of heat treatment for austenitic stainless steels?

The most common types of heat treatment for austenitic stainless steels are annealing, solution treatment, and precipitation hardening. Annealing involves heating the steel to a high temperature and then slowly cooling it to reduce internal stresses and improve ductility. Solution treatment involves heating the steel to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it to create a solid solution of elements. Precipitation hardening involves aging the steel at a specific temperature to allow for the formation of fine particles, which increase the strength of the steel.

3. How does heat treatment affect the corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steels?

Heat treatment can improve the corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steels by reducing the presence of impurities and creating a more uniform microstructure. It can also increase the amount of chromium in the steel, which is a key element for corrosion resistance.

4. What factors should be considered when selecting a heat treatment process for austenitic stainless steels?

The factors that should be considered include the desired mechanical properties, the type of steel and its composition, the required corrosion resistance, and the intended application of the steel. It is important to consult with a metallurgist or heat treatment specialist to determine the most suitable process for the specific steel and application.

5. Can austenitic stainless steels be heat treated without affecting their non-magnetic properties?

Yes, austenitic stainless steels can be heat treated while maintaining their non-magnetic properties. This is because their non-magnetic properties are primarily determined by their chemical composition, specifically the amount of nickel and manganese present. As long as the heat treatment process does not significantly alter the composition, the steel should remain non-magnetic.

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