When it comes to thick sheet metal and special steels, there is one thermal process that stands out because of its importance and precision: stress-relieving annealing by Sidertaglio Lamiere. This sophisticated thermal procedure is more than just treatment; it is the art of removing stresses and refining the structure of sheets, making them ready for extraordinary challenges.

The harmony of relaxation annealing: a journey of precision
Let’s dive into the heart of stress-relieving annealing, a path steeped in initial warmth, careful preparation of the material, followed by a holding period in which every detail is scrutinized with care. The concluding phase, the cooling, is a delicate act that closes the chapter with precision, like the last treble of a well-coordinated orchestra. These three steps are not merely procedures, but a masterfully orchestrated experience, the purpose of which is to ensure that the plates emerge free of internal tension.

Stress-relieving annealing becomes the protagonist after part roughing, playing the role of guardian against unwanted stresses in welded structures. But it does not stop there: this process also reveals its key role as an essential preparation for precision machining, especially when tight measurement tolerances are required.

The tangible benefits
This heat treatment results in a number of advantages for thick sheets:

• Stress minimization: over 90% of internal stresses can be eliminated, ensuring that components are immune to deformation and breakage during future machining or in the use of the part.
• Better machinability and tool life: the treated material becomes more malleable, with tools retaining their sharpness for longer periods.
• Reduced deformation for further processing: stress-relieving annealing paves the way for further processing with less material deformation.
• Minimizing the risk of cracking: optimized internal structure reduces the risk of cracking during use of the component.
• Greater precision: each final dimension is shaped with greater precision, contributing to the perfection of the product.
• Short processing times: reduced oversize results in significantly shortened processing times, ensuring quick responses to customer needs.

In this intricate dance between heat and precision, Sidertaglio Lamiere’s stress-relieving annealing emerges as a master in the art of shaping sheet metal for extraordinary challenges.

Suitable materials and temperatures
The annealing temperature is a key variable in the process, underscoring the importance of a tailored approach for each type of material. A prime example is the treatment of quenched and tempered steels, which require annealing at a temperature at least 30°C lower than the last tempering temperature. This choice is not accidental, but aims to preserve the specific properties of the material, ensuring that heat treatment is an ally, not an adversary.

In this context, Sidertaglio Lamiere’s specialization becomes crucial. The ability to adapt the annealing process to the specific needs of the materials being processed is a hallmark of our expertise. We do not simply treat the sheets, but sculpt the heat treatment to preserve their characteristics and ensure optimal results. This tailored approach not only ensures treatment effectiveness but also reflects Sidertaglio Lamiere’s commitment to excellence and precision in handling a diverse range of materials with skill and craftsmanship.

Managing timing and costs in stress-relieving annealing
Stress-relieving annealing, although advantageous, requires special attention to timing and cost. The process, with its heating, holding and cooling phases, can extend for several hours, requiring judicious planning. This may imply a temporary pause in production time, an aspect to be considered in workflow management. In addition, the costs associated with energy consumption and furnace maintenance need to be weighed carefully. Notwithstanding these considerations, it is essential to emphasize that, in light of the broad benefits obtained, stress-relieving annealing remains a strategic choice for ensuring the quality of thick plates.

Sidertaglio Lamiere’s commitment
With its technical sales department, Sidertaglio Lamiere stands as a partner in the art of sheet metal processing. Each question is an opportunity to share knowledge and offer tailored solutions. Stress-relieving annealing is just one of the many ways in which Sidertaglio Lamiere strives for excellence in sheet metal and specialty steel processing.