The temperature for annealing steel depends on the specific type of annealing process and the desired outcome. For subcritical annealing, temperatures range from 538°C to 649°C (1000°F to 1200°F). Intermediate annealing is conducted at 649°C to 760°C (1200°F to 1400°F), and full annealing involves heating to 816°C to 927°C (1500°F to 1700°F).
Subcritical Annealing: This process is typically used to soften the steel and improve its machinability without causing significant changes in the crystal structure. The steel is heated to just below the Ac1 point, which is the temperature at which austenite begins to form during heating. The temperature range for this process is 538°C to 649°C (1000°F to 1200°F), followed by a slow cooling in the furnace.
Intermediate Annealing: This process involves heating the steel to a temperature that allows some transformation to austenite, which is a high-temperature phase of steel. The temperatures for this process are between 649°C and 760°C (1200°F and 1400°F). This type of annealing is used when a partial transformation to austenite is desired, often to improve ductility and reduce hardness.
Full Annealing: This is the most complete form of annealing, where the steel is heated to a temperature above the upper critical temperature (Ac3), which is the point at which all the ferrite transforms to austenite. The temperature range for full annealing is 816°C to 927°C (1500°F to 1700°F). After reaching this temperature, the steel is slowly cooled in the furnace to around 315°C (600°F). This slow cooling allows for a complete transformation of the microstructure, leading to a softer and more ductile steel.
Each of these annealing processes is chosen based on the specific requirements of the steel's application and the properties desired in the final product. The correct furnace atmosphere is also crucial to prevent oxidation and decarburization during the annealing process.
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