Heat Treating / Stress Relieving Production Machining
Last Updated: February 12, 2025
Description
Heat treating and stress relieving in production machining are processes designed to enhance the properties of metal workpieces. These processes aim to improve the mechanical performance of metals by making them stronger, tougher, and more resistant to wear. Stress relieving specifically targets the removal of internal stresses that accumulate during machining, casting, rolling, or forging, which can lead to defects such as cracking or breakage if not addressed.
Working Principle
The working principle of heat treating involves heating metal workpieces to a specific temperature and then cooling them at a controlled rate. This process alters the internal structure of the metal, enhancing its mechanical properties. Stress relieving, a subset of heat treatment, involves heating the metal to a temperature below its transformation point and then cooling it to room temperature. This process releases internal stresses without significantly altering the metal's inherent properties. These treatments are crucial for maintaining the integrity and performance of the metal parts, ensuring they can withstand further machining and operational stresses.
Applications
Heat treating and stress relieving are applied in various industries where precision and durability of metal parts are critical. For instance, in the aerospace industry, these processes are used to enhance the performance of components like turbine blades and structural parts. In the automotive sector, they are applied to engine components and transmission parts to improve wear resistance and longevity. Additionally, in the manufacturing of medical devices, heat treatment ensures the reliability and safety of surgical instruments and implants.
Advantages over other Production Machining
One significant advantage of heat treating and stress relieving over other machining processes is the ability to enhance the mechanical properties of metals without altering their shape. This allows for the production of parts that are not only precise but also durable and resistant to wear and corrosion. For example, the solution treatment of stainless steel creates a pure Austenitic structure, improving toughness and corrosion resistance, which is not achievable through standard machining processes alone.
Limitations
Despite their benefits, heat treating and stress relieving have limitations. The processes require precise control of temperature and cooling rates, which can be challenging and costly to maintain. Additionally, improper execution can lead to undesirable changes in the metal's properties, such as excessive brittleness or distortion. These processes also require specialized equipment and expertise, which may not be readily available in all manufacturing settings.
Considerations
When considering heat treating and stress relieving, several factors must be taken into account. Initial costs can be high due to the need for specialized equipment and skilled personnel. Operating expenses are also significant, as the processes require continuous energy input and precise environmental control. Durability and accuracy of the treated parts depend heavily on the quality of the process execution. Maintenance and replacement costs can be substantial, particularly if the equipment is not properly maintained or if the processes are not correctly applied, leading to part failures or defects.
from Swissomation, Inc.
Swissomation is devoted to providing excellent customer service. We are set up to respond to your prototype as well as production runs. Our company is designed to allow for a quick turnaround time on high quality parts and components. Capabilities & Material. Our in house equipment will turn... [See More]
- Secondary Operations: Anodizing; Black Oxide; Electroplating; Heat Treating / Stress Relieving; Lapping / Polishing
- Certifications / Standards: ISO 9001:2000; MIL-SPEC; OEM Specific
- Company Information: Swissomation, Inc. offers its customers one of the fastest turn around times in the industry. From help with your first engineering samples through your production runs, Swissomation offers the highest quality, quickest delivery, and the fairest price.
- Operation: CNC Machining; Drilling; Milling; Turning; Screw Machining; Swiss Machining; Broaching; Deep Hole Drilling; Esco / Escomatic wire fed CNC
from Topcraft Metal Products, Inc.
As a Tier 1 or 2 supplier to OEMs, your company has to perform every single day. You need your component suppliers to do the same. Yet supplier-caused problems crop up way too often. Are you tolerating problem parts that jam your production machinery, forcing you to spend money to sort good... [See More]
- Secondary Operations: Anodizing; Black Oxide; Electroplating; Heat Treating / Stress Relieving; Lapping / Polishing; Painting / Powder Coating; Welding
- Certifications / Standards: ISO 9001:2000; TS 16949
- Company Information: Topcraft Metal Products Inc. is a precision engineered components manufacturing company. Our focus is to take demanding applications and create globally competitive, zero defect and reliable processes that we manage giving our customers the best value.
- Operation: CNC Machining; Drilling; Milling; Turning; Screw Machining; Swiss Machining; Broaching; Deep Hole Drilling; Centerless Grinding; OD Grinding
from Trace-A-Matic
Production Machining. Trace-A-Matic is a precision machine shop providing custom CNC machining to the aerospace, agriculture, automotive, construction, defense, food processing, forging, foundry, heavy equipment, infrastructure, marine, medical device, military, mining, oil and gas, power... [See More]
- Secondary Operations: Anodizing; Electroplating; Heat Treating / Stress Relieving; Lapping / Polishing; Painting / Powder Coating; Welding; CNC engineering, fabrication, and inspection
- Certifications / Standards: ISO 9001:2015, AS 9100D, API Specification Q1, and an ITAR registration
- Company Information: Trace-A-Matic is committed to being your trusted partner and ally in business. We are experts at managing the flow of goods and services related to CNC machining. Trace-A-Matic offers a competitive advantage through product design for manufacturability, massive machining capacity, vast managed special processes, real-time inventory management, and unmatched customer service. We are ready to work with you to plan and manage every aspect of the machining process from start to finish.
- Operation: CNC Machining; Drilling; Milling; Turning; Broaching; Deep Hole Drilling; Gun Drilling; Honing; Wire EDM; Boring, cutting, facing, hobbing, knurling, parting, pocketing, profiling, reaming, spline, tapping, threading (external, internal), thread milling
from Preferred Tool and Die / Preferred Precision
Our strategic focus is on providing superior CNC machining capabilities while designing and implementing processes that are cost efficient. Utilizing multi-axis machining centers and complete support services we manufacture to your designs. Our capabilities become your capabilities and we work to... [See More]
- Secondary Operations: Anodizing; Black Oxide; Electroplating; Heat Treating / Stress Relieving; Lapping / Polishing; Welding
- Certifications / Standards: ISO 9001:2000
- Company Information: Preferred Tool and Die, Inc. provides precision machining services including CNC milling, turning, and EDM. From development and prototype components to production runs, they are focused responsive manufacturing professionals.
- Operation: CNC Machining; Drilling; Milling; Turning; Swiss Machining; Jig Boring; Broaching; Jig Grinding; Surface Grinding; Honing; Electrode EDM; Wire EDM; Multi-Axis CNC Milling, 9-Axis Swiss
from JIT Global Enterprises, Inc.
Our 5-axis and CNC machining centers, which have vertical and horizontal capabilities, are readily available for all types of machining applications. We can machine previously cast products or any type of product or prototype. Your part could be delivered in as little as 1 to 2 days. Gun hole... [See More]
- Secondary Operations: Anodizing; Black Oxide; Heat Treating / Stress Relieving; Painting / Powder Coating; Welding
- Certifications / Standards: ISO 9001:2000; ISO 9001:2008
- Company Information: JIT Global Enterprises, Inc. has earned a reputation for offering our customers fast, low cost solutions for producing high quality stamped and machined products.
- Operation: Water / Abrasive Jet Machining; CNC Machining; Drilling; Milling; Turning; Jig Boring; Centerless Grinding; OD Grinding; Jig Grinding; Surface Grinding; Laser Machining
from Master Metal Engineering (MME)
Master Metal Engineering is a group of manufacturing facilities with state-of-the-art equipment including CNC lathes, Citizen Swiss screw machines and CNC machining centers. At our facilities, we manufacture many different types of machined parts for the Medical, Aerospace, Automotive and Heavy... [See More]
- Secondary Operations: Anodizing; Black Oxide; Electroplating; Heat Treating / Stress Relieving; Lapping / Polishing; Painting / Powder Coating; Welding
- Certifications / Standards: MIL-SPEC; ISO 9001:2008
- Company Information: Master Metal Engineering is a custom contract manufacturer of precision components and assemblies offering complete part production services to medical, aerospace, food processing and precision instrument customers worldwide.
- Operation: CNC Machining; Drilling; Milling; Turning; Swiss Machining; Broaching; Centerless Grinding; OD Grinding; Surface Grinding; Honing; Wire EDM
from M&P Manufacturing USA, Inc.
M&PManufacturing USA offers extensive capability and capacity to produce complexprecision machined parts. We routinely machine parts to tolerances as low as 5 microns in mass production. We operate over 50 machining and turning centers and are adding capacity everyyear. When combined with our... [See More]
- Secondary Operations: Anodizing; Black Oxide; Electroplating; Heat Treating / Stress Relieving; Lapping / Polishing; Painting / Powder Coating; Welding
- Certifications / Standards: ISO 9001:2000
- Company Information: M&P Manufacturing USA offers our Customers a single source supply for almost all their metal component needs. Our process capabilities include precision machining, turning, precision casting, extruding, stamping and forging. Combined with a complete compliment of secondary and finishing operations, M&P can supply ready to use parts for your assembly line. We can produce parts in iron, steel, aluminum, brass, copper, bronze, zinc, titanium, magnesium and more.
- Operation: CNC Machining; Drilling; Milling; Turning; Screw Machining; Swiss Machining; Centerless Grinding; Double-disc Grinding; ID Grinding; OD Grinding; Jig Grinding; Surface Grinding; Electrode EDM; Wire EDM
from Roberson Tool & Die
Roberson Tool & Die specializes in manufacturing parts to precise specifications. Our quality work has included parts for the robotics, aerospace, medical, automotive and energy markets. By utilizing automated multi-axis machining and CAD/CAM software, we can produce parts to meet your... [See More]
- Secondary Operations: Anodizing; Black Oxide; Electroplating; Heat Treating / Stress Relieving; Lapping / Polishing; Painting / Powder Coating; Welding
- Operation: CNC Machining; Drilling; Milling; Turning; Wire EDM
- Company Information: At Roberson Tool & Die, We machine products for the Robotics, Aircraft/Aerospace, Medical, and Energy industries. Roberson Tool Die has the capability to manufacture prototype and production parts for a variety of applications.
- Specialty Machining: Jigs and Fixtures; Casting Machining; Forging Machining; Tool & Die Manufacturing
from BesTech Tool Corporation
FasTrac is a production machining company that focuses on small to medium sized parts. Our niche is short volume runs; anything from one part to several thousand. FasTrac was incorporated in August of 2007. This was done by the purchase of an existing machine shop. The existing company had over 30... [See More]
- Secondary Operations: Anodizing; Black Oxide; Electroplating; Heat Treating / Stress Relieving; Lapping / Polishing; Painting / Powder Coating; Welding
- Certifications / Standards: Quality Program in Place; Working on ISO
- Company Information: BesTech & sister company FasTrac offer a wide variety machining services. We can produce one part or thousands. Machining centers include 4 axis. Turning Centers include chucker & bar feed. We can provide other services such as engineering & prototyping.
- Operation: Water / Abrasive Jet Machining; CNC Machining; Drilling; Milling; Turning; Surface Grinding; Wire EDM
from Weldaloy Products Company
Non-ferrous Machining. In addition to the great variety of processing techniques for your non-ferrous material needs ‚ we are machining specialists for copper and aluminum applications. Weldaloy has over 20 turning and machining centers ‚ the majority of which are CNC operated. Copper... [See More]
- Secondary Operations: Heat Treating / Stress Relieving
- Certifications / Standards: AS 9100 / AS 9100B; ISO 9001:2000; AS 9100C; ISO 9001:2008
- Company Information: Weldaloy Delivers Quality Products Built To Your Specification! If you’re dealing with non–ferrous alloys‚ Weldaloy has the range of products and services to suit your applications‚ from forgings to extrusions and machining.
- Operation: CNC Machining; Milling; Turning
from Tanfel
Tanfel offers a full solution for your custom fabricated metal product needs. A variety of materials and finishes are available along with tool fabrication, design support and a variety of other value added services. Machining. Materials: Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, Cast Iron, Copper, Hardened metals,... [See More]
- Secondary Operations: Anodizing; Black Oxide; Electroplating; Heat Treating / Stress Relieving; Lapping / Polishing; Painting / Powder Coating; Welding
- Certifications / Standards: ISO 9001:2000
- Company Information: Tanfel offers a full solution for your custom fabricated metal part needs. Prototype – Small Production – Large Production / Extrusion * Stamping * Die Casting * CNC- Machining & Lathe * MIM * Wire Forming * EtchingA variety of materials and finishes are available along with tool fabrication, design support, stocking and warehousing options and a variety of other value added services.
- Operation: CNC Machining; Drilling; Milling; Turning; Surface Grinding; Electrode EDM; Wire EDM; Etching/Chemical Milling
from ChemArt Company
ChemArt has always been a major contributor to the Photo Chemical Machining (PCM) industry since its creation in 1976. Its founder, Richard Beaupre, was the originator of aqueous dry film photo resist used in PCM imaging applications. Currently, all dry film photo resists used in PCM applications... [See More]
- Secondary Operations: Anodizing; Black Oxide; Electroplating; Heat Treating / Stress Relieving; Lapping / Polishing; Painting / Powder Coating
- Certifications / Standards: ISO 9001:2000; MIL-SPEC; OEM Specific
- Company Information: ChemArt Company is an ISO 9001:2000 certified manufacturer of standard & custom etched metal parts and components. Since its inception in 1976, as a Veteran-Owned Small Business, ChemArt produces products adhering to military standard and specifications.
- Operation: Milling; Laser Machining; Etching/Chemical Milling; Electrochemical / Photochemical Machining
from American Swiss Products Co., Inc.
American Swiss Products is your first choice for high precision, Swiss screw machine components and turned parts. From fortune 500 companies to small entrepreneurial start-up companies, we have become an integral partner to customers in such industries as electronics, automotive, military, computer,... [See More]
- Secondary Operations: Anodizing; Black Oxide; Electroplating; Heat Treating / Stress Relieving; Lapping / Polishing; Painting / Powder Coating
- Certifications / Standards: ISO 9001:2000
- Company Information: American Swiss Products is a small, woman owned, ISO 9001:2000 registered business that is a leader in providing high precision, tight tolerance, sub miniature Swiss screw machine parts.
- Operation: CNC Machining; Drilling; Milling; Turning; Screw Machining; Swiss Machining; Jig Boring; Broaching; Deep Hole Drilling; Centerless Grinding; ID Grinding; OD Grinding; Surface Grinding; Honing; Plating; Threading; Knurling
from Lovejoy Chaplet Corporation
Lovejoy Chaplet Corp. is a premier manufacturer of custom, precision-machined components and assemblies. Our expertise lies in the utilization of CNC Turning and Milling equipment along with CNC Swiss and Single Spindle screw machines in the manufacture of machined components with complex... [See More]
- Secondary Operations: Anodizing; Black Oxide; Electroplating; Heat Treating / Stress Relieving; Lapping / Polishing; Painting / Powder Coating
- Certifications / Standards: ISO 9001:2000; MIL-SPEC
- Company Information: Lovejoy is a premier manufacturer of CNC Milled, CNC Turned and CNC Swiss screw machine products. Serving: Aerospace, Medical, Communications, Power Generation, Valve/Switch, Hermetic Connector and Plasma Torch Consumable industry. ISO 9001:2000 certified
- Operation: CNC Machining; Drilling; Milling; Turning; Screw Machining; Swiss Machining; Deep Hole Drilling; OD Grinding; Honing; Micro-Drilling
from CNC Industries, Inc.
CNC Industries, Inc. of Fort Wayne, Indiana is a world-class job shop specializing in high-speed CNC Machining, Fabrication and Assembly of component parts. Serving the Defense, Aerospace, Medical and Industrial markets, CNC Industries is committed to providing superior Price, Quality, Delivery, and... [See More]
- Secondary Operations: Anodizing; Black Oxide; Electroplating; Heat Treating / Stress Relieving; Lapping / Polishing; Painting / Powder Coating
- Certifications / Standards: AS 9100 / AS 9100B; ISO 9001:2000; MIL-SPEC; OEM Specific
- Company Information: CNC Industries is a world-class job shop specializing in high-speed machining, fabrication and assembly of component parts. We primarily serve the Defense, Aerospace, Medical and Industrial markets.
- Operation: CNC Machining; Drilling; Milling; Turning; Screw Machining; Swiss Machining; Deep Hole Drilling; Surface Grinding; Honing
from Blue Grass Manufacturing Co.
Our 3-axis and 4-axis CNC milling centers are capable of machining parts as large as 35.43" (900 mm) in length, 23.62" (600 mm) in width, and 23.62" (600 mm) in height. Our CNC lathes have a maximum capacity of 17" (430 mm) for part diameter with a maximum length capacity of 30" (762 mm). We have... [See More]
- Secondary Operations: Anodizing; Black Oxide; Electroplating; Heat Treating / Stress Relieving; Lapping / Polishing; Painting / Powder Coating; Welding; Magna Flux & X-Ray
- Certifications / Standards: QS-9000; ISO 9001:2000; UL Approved Manufacturing Site
- Company Information: Blue Grass Manufacturing can assist you in all phases of the manufacturing process -- cost reduction, manufacturing engineering, tool building, fabricating, welding, machining, assembly, sourcing and purchasing, even order entry and fulfillment.
- Operation: CNC Machining; Drilling; Milling; Turning; Broaching; Deep Hole Drilling; Centerless Grinding; OD Grinding; Surface Grinding; Honing; Sawing
from Midwest Machining and Fabrication
Midwest Machining and Fabricating is equipped to meet all of your machining needs. Whether handling raw cast parts or newly rebuilt assemblies, we can provide machined parts to your specifications in wood, resin or virtually any alloy. Our highly skilled machinists use manual and state-of-the-art... [See More]
- Secondary Operations: Heat Treating / Stress Relieving; Painting / Powder Coating; Welding; Shot Blasting
- Certifications / Standards: OEM Specific; AWS D1.1
- Company Information: MM&F specializes in precision machining of products ranging from 1 to 100 tons. Their equipment list includes double column gantry mills, horizontal boring mills, and planer mills accommodating long production runs or engineered products.
- Operation: CNC Machining; Drilling; Milling; Turning; OD Grinding; Surface Grinding; Honing