Solution Annealing and Stabilization Heat Treatment of Stainless Steel

In the manufacturing of most austenitic stainless steel pipes, tubes, fittings and flanges, solution annealing is commonly applied after forming process is done. 

Solution Annealing of Stainless Steel is a process in which stainless steel metal is heated to a temperature above its critical point and then cooled rapidly to restore back its original microstructure that is free from carbide precipitation. Solution treatment is a vital part of our production process, ensuring Toko Tech stainless steel pipelines operate reliably in various environments. Toko Tech's stainless steel pipes, after solution treatment, are widely used in industries such as oil, chemical, pharmaceutical

Some grades of stainless steel require heat stabilisation after solution treatment. Stabilization treatment is primarily applied to austenitic stainless steels that contain stabilizing elements like titanium or niobium, mainly applied to used in high temperature operating environments, and the grade name is usually with an "H", such as. 321H. We just delivered 321H pipes to our client last month, complete with stabilisation heat treatment, for use on the Heat Exchanger Processors.

Solution annealing Process

Solution heat treatment consists of heating the entire weldment to the temperature above 1,010 C, to put the carbides back into solution and cooling it rapidly by water quenching.

The main steps in the solution annealing process are：

• Controlled heating above the recrystallization temperature
• Rapid quenching in a water bath.

Solution annealing vs annealing

Solution Annealing of Steel is a process in which metal is heated to a temperature above its critical point and then cooled rapidly to restore back its original microstructure that is free from carbide precipitation.

Annealing, on the other hand, is a process of heating and cooling a metal in a controlled cooling rate. Annealing improves the ductility, reduce brittleness, or relieve stresses from previous processes in the components.

Solution annealing is typically done at a higher temperature (Above recrystallization temperature) than annealing. Annealing, on the other hand, is done at a lower temperature (below recrystallization temperature).

Solution annealing vs bright annealing

Solution annealing is a process in which a material is heated to a high temperature and then cooled rapidly. This process allows for the atoms of the material to rearrange themselves into a more stable configuration.

Bright annealing is a type of solution annealing that is carried out in avacuum or a controlled atmosphere with inert gases(e.g., argon). This process results in a higher quality final product.