Stress relieving is carried out on metal products in order to minimise residual stresses in the structure thereby reducing the risk of dimensional changes during further manufacturing or final use of the component.
Benefits
Machining, and cutting, as well as plastic deformation, will cause a build up of stresses in a material. These stresses could cause unwanted dimension changes if released uncontrolled, for example during a subsequent heat treatment. To minimise stresses after machining and the risk for dimension changes the component can be stress relieved.
Stress relieving is normally done after rough machining, but before final finishing such as polishing or grinding.
Parts that have tight dimensional tolerances, and are going to be further processed, for example by nitrocarburising, must be stress relieved.
Welded structures can be made tension free by stress relieving.
Application & materials
Stress relieving does not change the material’s structure and does not significantly affect its hardness.
Copper and brass components can also be stress relieved.
