Heat Treatment of Aluminium casting / forgings is done for parts that require higher mechanical properties, higher tensile strength, different properties from the as cast / forged material or need to maintain very close tolerance during machining. Heat treatment changes the properties of the alloy by subjecting the casting/forging to a thermal cycle. Heat Treatment temperature cycles are different for each aluminium alloy grade. The heat treat temperature and soaking time determines the hardness, desired microstructure, and tensile strength for the heat-treated parts made from a particular alloy.
Gravity Die Cast
All GDC castings are heat treated.
Forging
All aluminium forgings are heat treated
High Pressure Die Cast
No heat treatment is required
Heat Treatment condition suffix for BS1490 Aluminium Alloys:
M
As cast
TS
Thermally stress relieved, annealed
TB
Solution heat treated and naturally aged to a substantially stable condition
TB7
Solution heat treated and stabilised
TE
Artificially aged
TF
Solution heat treated and artificially aged
TF7
Solution heat treated, artificially aged and stabilised