Heat Treating

MIM materials may be heat treated to increase strength, hardness, and wear resistance. The degree of hardening is determined by the percentages of carbon, alloying elements, and residual porosity in the material. We’ll work closely with you to achieve the desired result in the finished part.

When it comes to heat treating, a number of simple rules apply: 

• Ferrous MIM parts processed with little or no final carbon may be surface carburized for increased surface hardness while retaining core toughness
• Martensitic and precipitation hardening stainless steels may also be heat treated for increased hardness and strength
• To ensure optimum strength and durability, tempering or stress relief is required after quenching
• Most MIM materials respond well to normal wrought heat treating practices and procedures