Steel shots for heat treatment

Steel shots are not only used for surface preparation, but also for heat treatment processes. Heat treatment is a process that alters the properties of metal through the application of heat and cooling. Steel shots are used in heat treatment to improve the properties of metal parts, such as hardness, strength, and wear resistance. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at steel shots and their benefits for heat treatment.

What are Steel Shots?

Steel shots are small, spherical pellets made of high-quality steel. They are manufactured by heating and atomizing steel, which is then formed into small, uniform spheres. The size of the steel shot can vary depending on the application, with sizes ranging from 0.2mm to 3.0mm in diameter.

Benefits of Steel Shots for Heat Treatment

1. Consistent Hardness: Steel shots are manufactured to have a consistent hardness, which is important for heat treatment processes. This ensures that the steel shots are effective in improving the hardness of the metal parts being treated.
2. Controlled Grain Size: Steel shots have a controlled grain size, which is important for heat treatment processes. The grain size affects the properties of the metal being treated, such as strength and wear resistance. Steel shots with a smaller grain size can be used to produce fine-grained materials with improved strength and toughness.
3. Uniform Heat Distribution: Steel shots are used in heat treatment processes to distribute heat evenly throughout the metal part being treated. This ensures that the part is heated uniformly, which is important for achieving the desired properties.
4. Improved Surface Finish: Steel shots can also be used to improve the surface finish of metal parts. When steel shots are used to blast the surface of a metal part, they remove any impurities and create a smooth and uniform surface. This results in a better surface finish and improved corrosion resistance.

Applications of Steel Shots in Heat Treatment

Steel shots are used in a variety of heat treatment processes, including:

1. Shot Peening: Shot peening is a process that involves blasting the surface of a metal part with steel shots. This process improves the fatigue life of the metal part by introducing compressive stress to the surface.
2. Surface Hardening: Surface hardening is a process that involves heating the surface of a metal part and then quenching it with steel shots. This process improves the hardness and wear resistance of the surface.
3. Austempering: Austempering is a process that involves heating a metal part to a specific temperature and then quenching it in a bath of steel shots. This process produces a material with improved strength, toughness, and ductility.

Conclusion

Steel shots are an important tool for heat treatment processes. They offer a range of benefits, including consistent hardness, controlled grain size, uniform heat distribution, and improved surface finish. They are used in a variety of applications, including shot peening, surface hardening, and austempering. By using steel shots in heat treatment processes, manufacturers can improve the properties of their metal parts and produce high-quality products.