Listemann’s solution annealing processes make a decisive contribution to ensuring that your components remain reliable, durable and efficient. Whether for highly stressed aircraft components, sensitive medical technology or demanding industrial applications – we develop the optimum heat treatment solution for you.
Solution annealing is a special heat treatment process used to compensate for stresses and structural inaccuracies in metals – particularly stainless steels, nickel-based alloys and titanium materials. The materials are heated to a defined temperature and then cooled in a controlled manner.
This process distributes dissolved elements homogeneously and transforms the microstructure into an optimum state. The result: improved corrosion resistance, increased toughness and an ideal basis for further processing steps.
Internal stresses and structural irregularities occur during the production and processing of components, for example through welding, forming, machining or additive manufacturing (3D printing). These stresses can lead to distortion, cracking or reduced corrosion resistance. Solution annealing restores the original material structure and thus ensures durable, reliable and resilient components.
In this process step, the relevant material components are brought into solution and retained. During the subsequent precipitation hardening (age hardening), these components ensure the corresponding increase in hardness.
Ideal basis for further process steps
Whether after welding, Vacuum-brazing, machining or additive manufacturing: Solution annealing creates reproducible initial conditions for downstream processing.
Improved corrosion resistance – important for stainless steel and nickel alloys
Optimized mechanical properties – higher toughness and dimensional stability
Removal of welding stresses – increased operational safety of welded structures
Homogeneous structure – ideal basis for further Heat treatments or mechanical processing
Avoidance of distortion and cracks – increased dimensional stability and service life
(e.g. turbine components and structural components)
(e.g. reactors, pipelines and apparatus engineering)
(Implants and surgical instruments)
(e.g. power plant components and heat exchangers)
(Post-treatment of 3D-printed components)
The Listemann Group offers customized solution annealing processes for prototypes, small series and large series.
Vacuum, inert gas and circulating air furnaces
We carry out solution annealing processes in vacuum furnaces and – depending on the efficiency requirements – in inert gas or circulating air systems. Vacuum processes minimize oxidation; components come out of the furnace “metallically bright”, which reduces costly reworking.
Variety of materials & range of parts
In addition to steels, we process nickel-based, titanium and aluminum alloys – from micro parts to large-format components.
Certified quality
Calibrations in accordance with AMS 2750 as well as Nadcap accreditations (Heat treatment) and aviation approvals are proof of our process reliability; the EN 9100/ISO 9001 certificatesare available in the download area.
usually 1 010-1 120 °C, holding time depending on wall thickness; rapid quenching (gas/water) to avoid sensitization.
usually 1 010-1 120 °C, holding time depending on wall thickness; rapid quenching (gas/water) to prepare for curing.
Depending on the alloy, often ≈ 1 030-1 250 °C; cooling strategy adapted to stability and corrosion requirements.
≈ 450-550 °C with subsequent rapid quenching; basis for natural or artificial ageing (e.g. T6).
≈ 900-980 °C with subsequent rapid quenching in preparation for subsequent curing.
Stress-relief annealing primarily reduces residual stresses (for steels typically 550-650 °C), while solution annealing at significantly higher temperatures brings precipitates into solution and homogenizes the microstructure.
In order to prevent sensitization (e.g. chromium carbide precipitation); the decisive factor is rapid passage through the critical range towards room temperature.
Yes – in particular the hardenable alloys (e.g. 6000 or 7000 series alloys) are solution annealed before hardening and then quickly quenched; this is often followed by ageing (T6).
Yes, soldering and heat treatment steps can be efficiently combined in coordinated process chains – including time and cost benefits.
Depending on agreement: furnace protocols, temperature curves, test reports – on certified systems (including AMS 2750, Nadcap Heat treatment) and with comprehensive documentation.
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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