Soft annealing of steel, stainless steel, aluminium & copper: targeted reduction in hardness, improved machinability, homogenization of microstructure. Reliable processes, documented, ready for series production. With Listemann at your side.
In soft annealing, metallic materials are heated in a controlled manner, held for a defined time and then cooled in a targeted manner. The result: reduced hardness, improved machinability, homogenized microstructures and a stable basis for subsequent production steps.
Better machinability: lower cutting forces, longer tool life
Constant dimensional stability: stress relief and controlled microstructure development
Greater process reliability: fewer rejects, better surface quality
Before fine machining, after forming processes (rolling, forging, cold drawing), in preparation for hardening/tempering or for function-critical components with tight tolerances.
Spheroidal annealing or pearlite conversion for significant hardness reduction and machinability.
Structural harmonization and improved cold formability.
Aluminum, copper and alloys to restore ductility after work hardening.
Homogenization and structural stabilization.
≈ 900-980 °C with subsequent rapid quenching in preparation for subsequent curing.
Reduce hardness, increase machinability, homogenize microstructure
Reduce residual stresses (e.g. after welding)
Loosen precipitates, increase corrosion resistance
High strength with sufficient toughness
Before fine machining/series production
Dimensional stability, minimize distortion
Stainless steel/Ni alloys, followed by quenching
Highly stressed components
Assembly and structural components with high quality requirements
Shafts, bushings, gear wheels before fine machining
Precision-critical components
Gas turbine blades, impellers
Soft annealing is primarily aimed at reducing hardness and adapting the microstructure for better machinability. Stress-relief annealing reduces residual stresses without any significant change in hardness.
Whenever long machining times, high tool wear or dimensional problems drive up costs. The processes reduces machining time and waste and increases process reliability.
Material-dependent (alloy, previous condition) and component-dependent (wall thickness, mass). We design the temperature profile based on material data and test results.
Yes, soft annealing is an ideal preliminary stage for hardening, tempering or thermochemical processes, as it creates a uniform initial structure.
Standard hardness and process reports; optional metallographic examinations.
Phone: +41 52 245 18 55
Mobile: +41 77 442 46 91
t.bachmann@listemann.com
Phone: +423 375 90 12
Mobile: +423 78 05 401
t.bitschnau@listemann.com
Phone: +48 12 6534 231
Mobile: +48 501 65 22 26
j.brelinski@listemann.com
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