Preheating Heat Treatment

What is Preheating Heat Treatment?

Preheating heat treatment is the process of heating a material in a controlled manner at low or medium temperatures before it reaches higher temperatures. This process is applied to reduce internal stresses in the material, prevent cracking risks, and minimize deformations that may occur during processing. It is especially used to ensure uniform temperature distribution in the material before welding, casting, sintering, and some other heat treatments.

Preheating makes the material more suitable for later high-temperature processes (such as welding or hot forming). This process reduces thermal stresses in the material, minimizing the risks of breaking or cracking.

How is Preheating Heat Treatment Applied?

The process of applying preheating treatment is as follows:

  • Selection of Heat Source:
    • The heat source used for preheating is usually furnaces, hot air blowers, open flames, or electric heaters. This source must be able to carefully control the targeted temperatures.
  • Temperature Control:
    • The material is heated within a specific range before the processing begins. This temperature varies depending on the type of material and the process type.
    • For most metals and alloys, this temperature is typically between 100-300°C, but higher temperatures may be required for some special processes.
  • Heat Distribution and Duration:
    • Homogeneous heat distribution must be ensured throughout the material. This ensures that each part of the material is heated evenly and internal stresses are minimized. Heat is typically applied slowly, and the preheating process is completed once the material is sufficiently heated.
  • Timing and Monitoring:
    • The preheating duration of the material varies depending on the type of material, heating speed, and target temperature. This process must be continuously monitored, and temperatures should be carefully controlled.

What Materials are Used for Preheating Heat Treatment?

Preheating treatment can be applied to various materials. Commonly used materials include:

Steel and Alloys: Especially high-carbon steels and alloys require preheating before welding to reduce the risk of cracking.
Cast Iron and Aluminum Alloys: Preheating is used in these materials to prevent cracking and breaking, especially before casting processes.
Titanium and Titanium Alloys: These materials must be preheated as a preparation for high-temperature processes, as sudden temperature changes can cause deformation.
Stainless Steels: Preheating is also applied to stainless steels, especially before welding, to ensure uniform temperature distribution.
Pipes and Profiles: Preheating is required in pipeline systems, large metal structures, and thick profiles to prevent stress in the material during welding.
Preheating Heat Treatment

Which Industries Use Preheating Heat Treatment?

Preheating heat treatment helps reduce thermal stresses and cracking risks that may occur during processing by heating materials before they reach higher temperatures. It plays a critical role, especially in welding, casting, sintering, and heavy industry applications. The main areas of application are:

  • Automotive Industry: During the production and assembly of automotive parts, especially before welding processes, the material is preheated. This prevents cracking that may occur during welding.
  • Petrochemical and Energy: Preheating is required for casting processes, especially for equipment used in pipelines and power plants. These processes increase the durability of materials exposed to high temperatures and pressure.
  • Heavy Industry and Machine Manufacturing: In the production of large metal parts (e.g., casting molds, machinery), preheating ensures more uniform heating of the material, enhancing its resistance to processing.
  • Aerospace: Preheating is applied in the production of high-performance parts, particularly in areas where titanium and aluminum alloys are processed.
  • Construction Industry: In the assembly of steel structures, welding processes, and other metalworking stages, preheating ensures more efficient processing of materials.
  • Ceramics and Glass Industry: Preheating is also used in processing glass and ceramic materials, which are at risk of thermal shock.

Contact us for industry-specific heat treatment furnace solutions!

Contact