Someone wanted a follow up to this so here you go...

I tried a small bit at the temps. given and it did harden it quite a bit, it
could still be filed (barely) but was noticeably stiffer. Problem is that
it warped the thin (0.030") sheet slightly, which isn't good for the
application.

Any idea how I can keep thin sheet flat during the process?

ps: Didn't use the SS bags, there was a layer of white oxide before the
quench and the finished part came out dull, but that's OK.




"Terry Keeley" tkee(no wrote in message
...
Anyone?


"Terry Keeley" tkee(no wrote in message
...
Thanks for the replys!

I have some of those SS bags for heat-treating but didn't have much luck
last time tried to use them, was concerned about the part cooling while
I opened the bag to get it to quench (at 1650F!).

Anyone got any tips? Do you put a match in with the part to "burn" the
air inside?




"woodworker88" wrote in message
...
On Apr 8, 10:21 am, "Ed Huntress" wrote:
"Terry Keeley" tkee(no wrote in
...

Have some 0.030" 6Al-4V sheet I'd like to harden for my model boats,
came
across this, does it sound right?:

If the material is plate or strip, then the solutionize temperature
is
lowered to approximatly 1650F to 1675F. This is than followed by a
water
quench. The aging procedure is by artificial means by precipitation
treatment at a temperature in the range of 900F to 1100F and a soak
time
at temperature of between 4 to 8 hours (depending on cross sectional
thickness) It is critically important that the furnace hearth and
walls be
clean and free from foreign matter such as scale from steel
treatment. In
fact, do not use the furnace for process both steel and Ti alloys.

The times and temperatures sound about right, but I know nothing about
the
cleanliness issue. If someone doesn't have an answer for you, ask
again, and
I'll look it up. I have the ASM book that covers the subject.

--
Ed Huntress

I don't know about the times and temperatures, but I know that work on
Ti alloys at elevated temperatures demand scrupulous cleanliness.
Most heat treating and welding of Ti alloys is done in inert
atmospheres. They sell a stainless steel heat treating wrap that is
used to prevent oxidation in the heat treating furnace. This might be
a good product to try. I see it listed in nearly every major tool
catalog.