Thats what I thought but I dont know how to explain what I'm seeing then. Once my part is formed, a tactile ratio reading is taken. After sitting around the shop for a while, another tactile ratio reading is taken on the same piece and measures a few percent higher. Thoughts?
Type 301 stainless steel will undergo some strain aging if it is heated after forming. This is usually in the range of 350 C, and can increase the tensile strength by ~ 150 MPa.
The piece was not introduced to any extensive thermal changes as it was manufactured and stored in a fairly controlled environment (ambient may fluctuate +/- 10 F). Do you guys feel it would benefit me at all to "bake" the parts at relatively low temps. (a few hundred degrees) prior to storage, even though SS 301 is heat treatable?
The temp of the material prior to forming is also an issue. The amount of strain hardening will drop drastically if you warm the raw material first.
It may be more beneficial to control input temp.
I would start with 150F or so. If you get higher (unsure what temp with 301) you can nearly suppress the strain transformation, not good if you need the strength.
