V.S. Heat Treatment
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V.S. Heat Treatment
Heat treatment & metal finishing experts
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For electroplated high-strength fasteners, check whether de-embrittlement baking is indicated and see the reference bake window.
Hydrogen picked up during acid pickling and electroplating can cause delayed fracture of high-strength steel. ISO 4042 and ASTM B850/F1940 call for a baking (relief) treatment above a strength/hardness threshold. This tool is a reference indicator — the drawing and specification prevail.
Borderline — treat as required
The strength is close to the threshold. Treat baking as required unless the specification says otherwise.
Typically 190–230°C, held 4–24 h (longer for higher strength — ≥1400 MPa parts need longer holds), started as soon as possible and within about 1–4 h of plating. Reference values per ISO 4042 / ASTM B850; the governing specification prevails. We run de-embrittlement baking in-house with logged time and temperature.