Heat Treatment Service Supplier In China
Heat Treatment is a controlled thermal process used to intentionally alter the microstructure of metals and alloys, fundamentally changing their mechanical properties like hardness, strength, and toughness. It is not a surface coating, but an essential manufacturing step for creating high-performance, durable components. As a key industrial supplier in China, Celerity Precision offers a range of in-house and certified partner heat treatment services, including annealing, hardening, and stress relieving. We ensure your parts are treated to the precise specifications required to withstand the demanding conditions of their end-use application.
For components manufactured and heat-treated for maximum strength and durability, rely on the integrated services of Celerity Precision.
Your Heat Treatment Service Manufacturer
At Celerity Precision, we understand that the performance of a metal part is determined by more than just its dimensions; its internal structure is equally critical. As a true manufacturing partner, we integrate heat treatment as a core part of the production cycle for applicable materials. Our capabilities include hardening and tempering of steels to achieve specific Rockwell hardness values, annealing to soften materials for improved formability, and stress relieving to ensure dimensional stability after aggressive machining. Our processes are governed by precise time-temperature controls using calibrated furnaces to guarantee uniform and repeatable results.
By managing the machining and heat treatment coordination, we take full responsibility for the final part’s integrity. We understand the design considerations, such as accounting for potential thermal distortion and protecting threaded features from scaling. Our engineers will advise on the optimal sequence of operations—whether to machine soft and then harden, or to machine in a hardened state (hardmilling). This expertise ensures you receive a component that is not only dimensionally accurate but also metallurgically sound and fit for purpose.
Don’t leave critical thermal processing to chance. Send your requirements to Celerity Precision and get a quote for a complete, manufactured-to-perform solution.
Heat Treatment: Technical Specifications
| Feature | Description |
| Surface Roughness (Ra) | Affected. Heat treatment can alter surface roughness. High-temperature processes may create a fine scale or oxide layer, increasing the Ra value. Post-treatment cleaning or finishing is often required. |
| Applicable Materials | Primarily for Carbon Steels, Alloy Steels, Stainless Steels (e.g., 400 series), and some Titanium alloys. Certain treatments are also used for Aluminum (e.g., T6 condition). |
| Cosmetic Availability | Not Applicable. Heat treatment is a purely functional process. It often causes discoloration (from light straw to dark blue/black) and is not intended to be a cosmetic finish. |
| Visual Appearance | Varies widely. The surface will typically show a colored oxide layer, ranging from a light golden hue to a dark grey or black, depending on the process and material. The surface may appear dull or scaled. |
Advantages of Heat Treatment Surface Finish
Significantly Increased Hardness & Strength
Hardening processes like quenching and tempering dramatically increase the material's resistance to wear, abrasion, and deformation.
Improved Toughness and Ductility
Treatments like annealing and normalizing can soften metals, making them less brittle and easier to form or machine.
Enhanced Durability and Wear Resistance
A hardened surface provides a much longer service life for components subjected to friction or impact.
Stress Relief for Dimensional Stability
Relieves internal stresses induced by machining or welding, preventing warping or distortion over time or during subsequent operations.
Uniform Material Properties
Ensures that the entire part, or a specific section (case hardening), achieves consistent and predictable mechanical properties.
Tailored Metallurgical Structure
Allows for the precise engineering of a material's microstructure to achieve the optimal balance of properties for a specific application.
Heat Treatment Design Considerations
Potential for Distortion
The heating and cooling cycles can cause parts to warp, especially those with thin walls, sharp corners, or asymmetrical designs. Generous corner radii and uniform wall thickness are recommended.
Surface Finish Impact
High-temperature treatments will cause surface oxidation and scaling. If a clean surface is required post-treatment, plan for a secondary operation like sand blasting or grinding.
Dimensional Changes
Parts may experience slight, predictable growth or shrinkage during heat treatment. This must be accounted for in the pre-treatment machining dimensions for tight tolerance parts.
Hardness Specification
Clearly define the required hardness (e.g., HRC 48-52) and, if necessary, the case depth for case-hardening processes on your technical drawing.
FAQ
Is heat treatment a coating?
No, it is a thermal process that changes the internal crystal structure (metallurgy) of the metal itself to improve its mechanical properties. Nothing is added to the surface.
Will heat treatment make my parts change color?
Yes, almost always. The high temperatures create a thin oxide layer on the surface, which causes discoloration. This is a normal and expected outcome.
My drawing calls for a specific Rockwell hardness (HRC). Can you achieve that?
Absolutely. We heat treat to specific hardness ranges as a standard part of our service. Please specify the required HRC, HRB, or Vickers value on your drawing.
Will my parts warp during heat treatment?
There is always a risk of distortion, especially with complex parts. Our experts use proper support fixtures and controlled cooling rates to minimize warping. Stress relieving before final machining is also a key strategy we employ.
Should I have my parts machined before or after heat treatment?
It depends. Machining before (in a soft state) is easier and cheaper. However, for the highest precision, critical features are often finish-machined or ground after heat treatment (hardmilling/grinding), which is a more specialized process we also offer.
What is the difference between "through hardening" and "case hardening"?
“Through hardening” hardens the entire volume of the part uniformly. “Case hardening” creates a very hard outer skin (the “case”) while leaving the inner core softer and tougher.
What is annealing?
Annealing is a heat treatment process that softens metal, making it easier to machine or form. It is essentially the opposite of hardening.
Will heat treatment affect threads?
Yes, the surface oxidation can affect thread function. For critical threads, it’s common to machine them after heat treatment or to use a protective paste during the process.
How much does heat treatment add to the cost and lead time?
It is a specialized process that adds both cost and time (typically 2-4 days) to a project, but it is essential for parts that require high strength and wear resistance.
How do I specify heat treatment on my drawing?
Be specific. For example: “Heat treat to HRC 42-46,” or “Case harden to a depth of 0.5mm, HRC 58-62,” or simply “Stress relieve after rough machining.”
Heat Treatment Services in China - Celerity Precision
Are you looking for the best heat treatment services to improve the performance and lifespan of your metal products? Metal heat treatment is very important for attaining the right characteristics in the items we make.
We provide full heat treatment services in China. This comprises low-pressure carburizing and gas quenching at high pressure. We use the most up-to-date technologies to satisfy the highest standards.
We do business with firms like ASSAB and ALD Thermal Treatment Ltd. This means that our services are always the best and most cutting-edge. We address the needs of a lot of different fields.
Important Points
- China has expert heat treatment services.
- More advanced ways to treat heat.
- The best facilities available.
- Working along with well-known companies in the field.
- Put quality and client satisfaction first.
Introduction
Heat treatment is a complicated way to change the structure of materials to make them better. It involves carefully heating and cooling metals to get the right properties.
Definition of Heat Treatment
You can change the physical and mechanical properties of materials by heating and cooling them in a controlled way. This can make them harder, more ductile, and stronger.
Objectives / Purposes
The main goals of heat treatment are to make things harder, more flexible, and stronger. It also helps relieve stress, make materials more resistant to wear, and change other properties. This is done to meet the needs of different industries.
By changing the temperature, makers can change the metal’s properties. This is useful in a lot of fields, like cars and planes.
Materials that can be Heat Treated
You can heat-treat a lot of things, like steels, cast iron, and alloys. People often heat-treat steels to make them harder or more flexible.
Heat treatment is good for alloys too. It makes their mechanical properties better for some uses.
Fundamentals of Heat Treatment
If you want to get the most out of heat treatment, you need to know the basics. It’s a complicated process that changes the microstructure of materials, which changes how they work mechanically.
Phase Transformations
Phase changes are very important in heat treatment. They change the crystal structure of the material, which makes different phases like austenite, martensite, and bainite.
These phases have their own special qualities. They change the overall properties of the material that has been treated.
The temperature, time, and cooling rates all affect how these phases form. For instance, austenite forms at high temperatures. This is important for the formation of other phases during cooling.
Critical Temperatures, Time, and Cooling Rates
The critical temperatures, time, and cooling rates are very important in heat treatment. The critical temperatures set the range for phase changes, and the time affects how much these changes happen. The cooling rate shapes the final microstructure.
Faster cooling rates often make microstructures like martensite harder.
- The upper critical temperature is the temperature at which a material becomes completely austenitic.
- The lower critical temperature signifies the onset of the transformation of austenite into alternative phases during cooling.
Microstructural Changes & Effects on Mechanical Properties
The changes in the microstructure that happen during heat treatment affect how strong the material is. For example, martensite makes the material harder, and bainite makes it tougher.
By knowing about these changes, you can customize the heat treatment process to make sure that materials have the right properties for their use.
We can make materials with the best properties by controlling the heat treatment parameters. To do this, we need to know how different microstructures respond to different heat treatments.
Common Heat Treatment Processes / Types
We change the properties of materials by using different heat treatment processes. These steps are very important for getting the right mechanical properties for many uses.
Annealing
Annealing is the process of heating a material to a certain temperature and then slowly cooling it down. This helps to relieve internal stresses and make it more ductile. There are three main types of annealing: full, partial, and process. Each type has a different goal, such as making the material less hard or easier to machine.
Normalizing
Normalizing heats a material above its critical point and then cools it in the air. This process improves the grain structure, makes the material stronger, and gets rid of stresses. It is used to get materials ready for more work or to make them have the same properties.
Hardening & Quenching
Hardening is the process of heating a material to a high temperature and then quickly cooling it down with quenching. Quenching can be done with oil, water, or air, among other things. This process is very important for making parts that need to be strong and resistant to wear.
Tempering
After hardening, tempering makes the material less brittle while keeping its hardness. It heats the material to a temperature below its critical point. This makes it tougher and less likely to crack. The temperature and time of tempering are carefully chosen to get the right balance of properties.
| Process | Purpose | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Annealing | Relieve internal stresses, improve ductility | Slow cooling, stress relief |
| Normalizing | Refine grain structure, improve mechanical properties | Air cooling, uniform properties |
| Hardening & Quenching | Achieve high hardness, wear resistance | Rapid cooling, high hardness |
| Tempering | Improve toughness, reduce brittleness | Heating below critical point, balanced properties |
Equipment, Tools and Facilities
The success of heat treatment depends on the tools used. Our facilities have the most up-to-date technology, which makes sure that heat treatment is done accurately and quickly.
Different Kinds of Ovens and Furnaces
We have different kinds of ovens and furnaces, such as batch, continuous, vacuum, and induction furnaces. We choose which one to use based on the material and the properties we want.
Batch furnaces are good for small to medium-sized parts because they let you control the temperature and atmosphere. Continuous furnaces are good for high-volume production because they give consistent results. Vacuum furnaces are used for controlled atmosphere processes that lower oxidation and decarburization. Induction furnaces are best for localized heating and are good for surface hardening.
Methods for Cooling Media and Quenching
Different materials and desired properties call for different cooling media and quenching methods. Quenching is very important for getting the final microstructure and mechanical properties.
| Quenching Method | Typical Use | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Quenching | Steels, alloy steels | Fast cooling rate, less distortion |
| Water Quenching | Carbon steels, some alloy steels | Very fast cooling rate, possible distortion |
| Air Quenching | Some alloy steels, stainless steels | Slower cooling rate, less distortion |
| Polymer Quenching | Variety of steels | Controlled cooling rate, reduced distortion |
Fixtures, Racks, Atmosphere Control & Holding Time
We use racks and fixtures to keep parts in place while they are being treated. To stop chemical reactions, we need to control the atmosphere. The holding time is based on the needs of the material and the process.
By keeping these things in check, we get the material properties we want and cut down on defects.
Process Design and Parameters
For the best results, it’s important to plan and control the heat treatment process. We carefully plan and control the heat treatment to get the right properties in the material.
Temperature, Time, Heating/Cooling Rates
The most important things are temperature, time, and how fast things heat up and cool down. Changing the temperature is very important for changing materials. The amount of time these changes happen is also important.
To avoid damage, the rates of heating and cooling must be exact. Cooling too quickly can cause uneven cooling, which can lead to distortion or cracking.
Material Section Size, Composition & Prior Condition
The size, makeup, and condition of the material before it is heated also matter. For even heating, larger sections need to be heated for longer.
The composition of the material affects how hard it can get and what kind of heat treatment it needs. For instance, alloy steels may need different processes than carbon steels.
Atmosphere, Oxidation, and Decarburization Control
To stop oxidation and decarburization, it’s important to keep the atmosphere under control. Oxidation can damage the finish on the material’s surface.
Decarburization can lower the amount of carbon on the surface, which can change how hard and wear-resistant it is. We use vacuum and controlled atmosphere furnaces to avoid these problems.
Mechanical & Physical Properties After Heat Treatment
The heat treatment process alters the mechanical and physical characteristics of materials. This alteration is essential for achieving optimal performance for various applications.
Hardness, Toughness, Strength, Ductility
By changing the structure of materials, heat treatment can make them harder and tougher. For instance, hardening and tempering can make steel stronger while still allowing it to bend. To make sure the material can handle different loads well, it’s important to find the right balance.
Heat treatment can also make things more ductile, which means they can bend without breaking. But hardening can make them less ductile but stronger and harder.
Wear Resistance, Fatigue Behavior
Heat treatment can also make materials last longer. For example, hardening the surface of gears and bearings can help them last longer.
Heat treatment also changes how materials react to stress over and over again. It can make them less likely to get tired. This is important for parts that are stressed over and over again, like axles and engine parts.
Distortion, Warping, Residual Stresses
Materials can warp or distort during heat treatment if they heat up or cool down unevenly. Using the right fixtures and controlling the heating and cooling can help avoid this. Heat treatment can also change the stresses on the material, which can change how it works and how it looks.
To make sure that the treated materials meet the necessary standards and work as expected, it is important to understand and manage these changes.
Problems, Failures and Troubleshooting
The heat treatment process is very important for making materials better. However, it has a lot of problems that can affect the quality and performance of the materials that have been treated.
Cracking, Distortion, Uneven Hardening
Cracking and distortion are two common problems that can happen during heat treatment. When materials are heated or cooled too quickly, they crack. When they are heated unevenly or not supported well, they distort.
When hardening isn’t even, the properties of the material can change. This affects how well the material works.
We carefully manage the process to fix these problems. We keep a close eye on the temperatures and cooling rates. Using the right fixtures and racks helps keep things from getting out of shape.
Decarburization, Scale Formation & Surface Defects
Decarburization makes steel less hard and less resistant to wear. Oxidation can cause scale to form, which can lead to surface defects and inaccuracies. Surface defects can also happen if the steel is not handled or cleaned properly before treatment.
We avoid these problems by using controlled atmosphere furnaces. We also clean and carefully handle materials before treatment. Regular maintenance of our equipment stops scale formation and surface defects.
Over-tempering, Incorrect Microstructures, etc.
Over-tempering makes things less hard. Wrong heat treatment settings can cause the wrong microstructures to form. To fix this, you need to change the process parameters.
We also look at the material’s condition and composition to make sure it’s right for the heat treatment process. Our method helps us find and fix problems early.
| Issue | Cause | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Cracking | Excessive stress from rapid heating/cooling | Controlled heating/cooling rates |
| Distortion | Uneven heating, inadequate support | Proper fixtures, controlled heating |
| Decarburization | Loss of carbon from surface | Controlled atmosphere furnaces |
| Scale Formation | Oxidation | Regular equipment maintenance |
Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Aspects
When we look into heat treatment, we think about safety, the environment, and following the rules. There are risks with heat treatment, like high temperatures and handling materials. We need to follow strict safety rules.
Health and Safety in Heat Treatment Operations
We make sure our employees are safe by putting in place strong safety plans. These plans include:
- Giving all workers who work with heat treatment personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Holding regular training sessions on how to use equipment, what to do in an emergency, and safe practices.
- Making sure that all of the equipment is well-maintained and checked on a regular basis to avoid accidents.
We use temperature control systems to keep furnace temperatures safe, for example. Safety protocols help us deal with dangers that come from high temperatures and handling.
Effects on the Environment
We try hard to have less of an effect on the environment. Here’s how:
- Using cleaner energy and better furnaces to cut down on emissions.
- Starting programs to cut down on waste and recycle materials used in heat treatment.
- Using new technologies to save energy.
We want to be green by using less energy and throwing away less trash. To do this, we follow the best practices to meet and exceed environmental rules.
Quality Assurance, Standards, and Specifications
We make sure that our heat treatment is of high quality by following standards like ASTM and ISO. These rules help us keep our processes safe and reliable.
We make sure our work is safe and good for the environment by following these rules. Our commitment to quality is clear in our strict quality checks and plans to keep getting better.
Applications by Industry
Many industries use heat treatment to make parts better. We offer specialized services for each sector’s needs.
Automotive & Aerospace Components
Heat treatment is very important in the automotive and aerospace industries. It makes parts stronger, tougher, and less likely to wear out or get tired. We work on engine parts, gears, and other important things.
Main Uses:
- Parts of an engine
- Parts for the transmission
- Fasteners for aerospace
Tool & Die, Cutting Tools, Molds
In the tool and die industry, heat treatment makes tools and molds last longer and work better. We harden and temper them to do this.
| Tool Type | Heat Treatment Process | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Tools | Hardening & Tempering | Increased wear resistance |
| Molds | Stress Relieving | Improved dimensional stability |
Medical, Food Contact, Stainless Steel Uses
In the medical and food industries, heat treatment makes sure that parts are clean and work well. We use stainless steel and other materials to meet these needs.
Important Uses:
- Implants for medical purposes
- Tools for processing food
- Parts made of stainless steel
We tailor our heat treatment services to each industry. This guarantees that the parts we send are of the highest quality and work well.
Advances and Modern Trends
New technology and the need for better materials are making big changes in the field of heat treatment. We’re at the forefront of these changes, using the latest trends to make our work better.
Modeling, Simulation, and Process Control
Modeling and simulation are big steps forward in heat treatment. We use smart software to predict how different treatments will work, which helps us control the final product’s properties more accurately.
This method improves the materials that are treated and saves time and money. It cuts down on the need for trial runs and physical tests.
Vacuum and Controlled Atmosphere Processes
Processes that use a vacuum and a controlled atmosphere are also very popular. They let us closely control the environment in which the treatment takes place. This cuts down on the risk of damage like oxidation and decarburization.
Controlling the environment helps us make materials with cleaner surfaces and more consistent properties. This is important for uses that need high accuracy and dependability.
New Hardening Techniques, Cryogenic and Hybrid Processes
It’s also important to learn about new hardening methods, such as cryogenic and hybrid processes. Cryogenic treatment cools materials to very low temperatures, which changes their structure to make them more stable and resistant to wear.
We can customize treatments for each application using hybrid processes that mix different heat treatment methods. This way, we can get the best performance and longer life for treated parts.
We are committed to providing high-quality, reliable, and cutting-edge solutions that meet the changing needs of our customers in a variety of fields.
Final thoughts
One of the most important steps in modern manufacturing is heat treatment, which helps metals reach their full strength, hardness, and durability. It changes regular materials into high-performance parts that can handle wear, stress, and harsh conditions.
Our heat treatment services in China are known for being accurate, cutting-edge, and dependable. We offer a full range of processes, such as carburizing, quenching, tempering, annealing, and stress relieving. All of these are done with cutting-edge technology and strict quality control. Working with top companies in the field, such as ALD Thermal Treatment Ltd. and ASSAB, helps us meet international standards and get better results.
Our facilities are state-of-the-art and have vacuum and controlled atmosphere furnaces. This makes sure that the quality is always the same and that there is little distortion or oxidation. Every step is carefully planned to meet the needs of each material and use, from parts for cars and planes to medical tools and precision molds.
In addition to being very good at what we do, we also care a lot about safety, the environment, and using less energy. To cut down on emissions and waste, our team follows strict safety rules, uses cleaner energy sources, and always uses new eco-friendly technologies.
We welcome new technologies like digital process simulation, cryogenic treatment, and hybrid techniques that give us more control over processes and better product performance. With these improvements, we can get better results, lower production costs, and make materials last longer.
In short, our heat treatment services in China use cutting-edge technology, skilled workers, and eco-friendly methods to make sure your metal parts work at their best. We offer custom solutions that meet the highest industrial standards, whether you want your products to last longer, be tougher, or be more resistant to wear.
Pick our heat treatment expertise, where quality, innovation, and dependability come together to make your manufacturing success even stronger.
FAQs
What is heat treatment, and how does it make materials better?
We use different methods, like annealing and hardening, to make materials like steels and alloys harder, stronger, and more flexible.
What kinds of materials can be heat-treated, and what are the benefits?
We treat a lot of different materials, like steels and alloys. Heat treatment makes them stronger and more durable, which is great for a lot of things.
What kinds of heat treatment processes are there, and how are they used?
We use different ways to heat treat things, like annealing and hardening. The method we choose depends on the material and what we want to do.
How do you manage the heat treatment process to get the material properties you want?
We carefully control the heat treatment process by changing the temperature, time, and cooling rates. This helps us get the right properties.
What are some common problems and mistakes that can happen during heat treatment, and how do you fix them?
Cracking and uneven hardening can happen. We fix these problems by keeping an eye on the process and fixing things as they come up.
How do you make sure that the people and the environment are safe and healthy during heat treatment operations?
We follow strict safety rules to keep people and the environment safe. We also cut down on waste and pollution.
What kinds of businesses do you work with on heat treatment?
We work with a lot of different fields, including aerospace and automotive. Our services make materials better for a variety of uses.
What new technologies and trends are being used in heat treatment?
We use the newest heat treatment methods, such as modeling and vacuum processes. These help us treat materials more effectively and better.