Vacuum treatments

Standard – UNI 10990
Typical Materials – Stainless steels, tool steels, standard mold steels – UNI 10990

he term vacuum treatments encompasses various processes, such as gas quenching, as well as solution treatments and aging. All treatments are performed under vacuum, ensuring no discoloration or surface alteration of the components.

Gas quenching is an austenitizing and quenching process that imparts high hardness to the treated parts. This process is primarily applied to mold steels, martensitic stainless steels, high-speed steels, and more. Gas quenching is widely used in industries where special or stainless steels are required.

The process involves heating to austenitizing temperatures, typically between 980-1200°C, depending on the material chosen. Afterward, the parts are rapidly cooled to room temperature using pressurized nitrogen. One or more tempering stages are then performed to achieve the desired mechanical properties.

Solution treatments are applied to aluminum alloys, austenitic stainless steels, and precipitation-hardened stainless steels. Subsequently, depending on the materials and applications, the mechanical properties can be further modified through aging processes.