Determing Solution or Age Hardening?

[GrindEngineer]

Hello folks,

We currently have a mixed lot of parts on the shelf and we are hoping to find a method to seperate the two. One batch is a set of solution hardened shafts, the other is the identical shaft but age hardened. So far we have explored ultrasonic and eddy current to differentiate the two and have been unsuccessful. All specs on the shafts are identical with the exception of the heat treat method. Any thoughts from anyone? We'll be throwing them out if we can't differentiate as the solution hardening is an old rev.

Thanks much!

-C-

 

[metengr]

Can you provide information on the actual alloy(s)?? What are they?

 

[arunmrao]

if you are referring to aluminium alloys,perhaps electrical resistivity measurements might help .

 

[GrindEngineer]

The alloy is a Pyromet, I do not know the exact alloy however. We just do some intermediate ops before it is shipped to the final customer, alot of the time we don't know the exact grade.

 

[metengr]

GrindEngineer;
What you have is uncontrolled inventory. I would have some Positive Material Identification (PMI) performed to sort those alloys, the cost is minimal.

Once you have segregated the alloys on the shelf from PMI, you have a starting point. Otherwise, your working in the dark.

 

[GrindEngineer]

Sounds good metengr, once we have made the alloy determination is it possible to use the same technology to differentiate between heat treats?

 

[metengr]

No. I believe portable hardness testing might work. This would be determined based on the type of Pyromet alloy.

 

[GrindEngineer]

Sound good metengr, I appreciate the help.