Täyshehkutus

Täyshehkutus is a Finnish term referring to a specific heat treatment process for metals, primarily steel. It is a type of annealing process aimed at softening the material and improving its machinability. The process involves heating the metal to a temperature above its upper critical point, holding it there for a sufficient time to allow for complete transformation of its microstructure, and then cooling it very slowly. The slow cooling, typically done within the furnace itself, is crucial for achieving the desired soft, fine-grained structure.

The primary goal of täyshehkutus is to relieve internal stresses, refine the grain structure, and produce a uniform and soft material. This makes the metal easier to cut, shape, and form in subsequent manufacturing operations. It is often performed on cold-worked or hardened steels to restore ductility and workability. The specific temperatures and holding times vary depending on the type and composition of the steel being treated. After the slow cooling, the metal will have a homogeneous microstructure, often consisting of ferrite and pearlite, which offers a good balance of hardness and ductility. Täyshehkutus is a fundamental process in metallurgy and is widely used in industries such as automotive, manufacturing, and toolmaking to prepare materials for further processing and to enhance the performance of finished products.