ALUMINUM AGING OVENS

Aluminum Aging Process

Aluminum Aging – sometimes referred to as age hardening or precipitation hardening – is produced by phase transformations creating uniform dispersion of coherent precipitates in a softer matrix. Aging aluminum between 100°C–260°C (212°F–500°F) is called artificial aging because the alloy is heated to produce precipitation.

Using a lower aging temperature has the effect of making the properties more uniform. When heat treated alloys are aged at room temperature it is called natural aging. The rate and amount of natural aging or hardening varies from one alloy to another. Properties of the alloys are dependent on the aging temperature and aging time. Typically, the hardness and strength of the alloy increases initially with time and particle size until it reaches the peak where maximum strength is obtained. Any further aging will reduce the strength and hardness; also referred to as over-aging.

Heat treatable alloy temper designations

W

UNSTABLE TEMPER APPLICATION WITH SUBSEQUENT PERIOD OF NATURAL AGE

T1

COOLED AND NATURALLY AGED

T2

COOLED, COLD WORKED AND NATURALLY AGED

T3

SOLUTION HEAT TREATED, COLD WORKED AND NATURALLY AGED

T4

SOLUTION HEAT TREATED AND NATURALLY AGED

T5

COOLED AND ARTIFICIALLY AGED

T6

SOLUTION HEAT TREATED AND ARTIFICIALLY AGED

T7

SOLUTION HEAT TREATED AND STABLILIZED TO DESIRED PROPERTIES

T8

SOLUTION HEAT TREATED, COLD WORKED AND ARTIFICIALLY AGED

T9

SOLUTION HEAT TREATED, ARTIFICIALLY AGED THEN COLD WORKED

T10

COOLED, COLD WORKED AND ARTIFICIALLY AGED