Stress Relieving

Stress Relieving

Stress relieving is a heat treatment process used to reduce or eliminate internal stresses in metal components that develop during manufacturing processes such as welding, machining, casting, or cold working. These residual stresses can lead to distortion, cracking, or reduced mechanical performance if not properly managed.

During stress relieving, the material is heated to a temperature typically between 550°C and 700°C (1020°F to 1290°F), depending on the alloy and its thickness, and held at that temperature for a specified time. This temperature is below the material’s transformation range to avoid altering its microstructure or mechanical properties significantly. After soaking, the component is cooled slowly, usually in still air, to minimize the reintroduction of stresses.