Age Hardening

Age hardening is a process in which specific nonferrous and ferrous alloys are heated, quenched, and then aged at a relatively low temperature above room temperature, to allow precipitation hardening to occur.

Process Characteristics

Is primarily for hardening selected nonferrous and ferrous metals and alloys
Involves workpiece heating, quenching, and aging
Can increase workpiece strength up to 50%
Does not affect workpiece ductility
Causes microstructural changes in the workpiece
Workpiece refrigeration can discontinue the hardening process

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Information provided is from Manufacturing Processes Reference Guide by Robert H. Todd, Dell K. Allen, and Leo Alting.--1st ed. Published by Industrial Press Inc., 1994.