Solution HT of 304 Stainless

[SMF1964]

I have 5/8" diameter barstock, 12" long, that I want to solution heat treat to return it to the fully annealed condition before I run a series of sensitization HT for some experiments. My plan is to soak it at 1900°F for 30 minutes. Any thoughts?

 

[metengr]

I would increase the solution treatment temperature to 1925 deg F to 1950 deg F (to dissolve as many carbides as possible), your hold time looks fine for this diameter. Also, make sure you have a protective or reducing atmosphere for the solution treatment.

 

[SMF1964]

The protective atmosphere is going to be a problem. Our furnaces are not that high-tech. I suppose I could wrap it in stainless foil for some assistance. I'm machining the samples, so any oxidation of the surface should be removed, correct?

 

[metengr]

Yes.

 

[unclesyd]

If you are going to use SS foil you can wrap the part in a plain paper towel before inserting in the foil packet.

Make sure you clean the sample and keep fingers off.

There is a tremendous amount of sensitization data available for Stainless Steels. I certainly would do literature search before I went through all the heat treating.

Handling 2000°F material takes a little expertise.