When it comes to heat treating, there is no one option that fits all. Taking this route can cause catastrophic outcomes.
Every material has its own specific tolerance to heat-treating temperatures and methods of processing. The type of material chosen specifically limits the capability of the heat to change its molecular structure and properties. Choosing the wrong method of heat treating can result in overheating, burning, brittleness, low hardness, discoloration, warping, cracking, fractures or deformation. Any one of these issues may result in downtime -- or worse, a major incident.
So, how do you protect yourself from poor heat-treating decisions made by a service contractor?
- The contracted company should employ certified experts in all heat-treating methods. The propensity for failure increases exponentially when a provider lacks expertise in all method options and applicable code requirements. The company hired to perform heat-treating services should employ certified technicians who possess a thorough understanding of the engineering and physical science behind all heat-treating methods. A company should be able to provide specific examples of similar past experience related to your specific project's needs.
- Decisions should be made as a team based upon sound engineering. Engineers should play an integral role in analyzing structural integrity and heat transfer to develop the most appropriate and cost-effective thermal processes. The contractor's engineering team should work hand-inhand with the internal engineering team to ensure all parties have a thorough understanding of the composition of the material, part specifications and all project requirements
- Code requirements should solidify process selection. Industry codes such as the American Welding Society (AWS) and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) have adopted heat-treatment requirements tailored to specific recommended practices and the process areas' section size. Ensure the contractor you select to work with is vetted and possesses a strong understanding of the most recent codes and industry-specific requirements.
- The contractor should provide realtime data management and documented quality controls for quality assurance and adherence to all recommended practices. Major advancements in heat-treating technology now afford operators the ability to track real-time data during and following thermal processing. These new technologies recognize deviations and rectify them while documenting the imperative data and notifying designated personnel.
Choose a proven provider. Choosing a proven provider is the No. 1 way to prevent heat-treating failure and the need for costly rework. TEAM Industrial Services is the largest field and most advanced heat-treating company in the world. The company's capabilities can address virtually every possible heat-treatment process regardless of temperature and/or application, with a proven track record in virtually every industry.
TEAM also provides the only full-time, in-house engineering support group in the industry, ensuring every job is completed professionally, up to code, fully documented and in the shortest time possible.
For more information, visit www. TeamInc.com or call (800) 662-8326.
