Annealing Stainless Steel Printed Part So It Is Workable

Discussion in 'Finishing Techniques' started by 1141052_deleted, Oct 25, 2016.

  1. Has any one needed to anneal a stainless steel printed part. I received a part last week and tried to drill a hole with a standard HSS drill bit, but it just polished the bit...We were able to drill with carbide, but I wanted to tap it too (with a 4-40 tap) I does tap, but it's scary, even with oil tap feel like any minute it will brake and take a lot of torque to twist it. I read about spot annealing hardened metal with a torch, or annealing Stainless in kiln at 1900°F for an hour. Both are possible, but since there is bronze in the alloy, I was afraid it would melt. Does anyone know the melting temp of the alloy? or what temp I might heat it too to anneal it? thanks in advance...
     
  2. stannum
    stannum Well-Known Member
    Not an alloy, but a mix or composite. SS "dust" hold by bronze "glue".
     
  3. mkroeker
    mkroeker Well-Known Member
    The bronze is not in the alloy - the material is a composite consisting of a 420 steel "sponge" filled with bronze, where the bronze (90% Cu,10% Sn) part can be expected to melt around 1840F
     
  4. 104516_deleted
    104516_deleted Well-Known Member
    Hey @LaurenEDU you have some experience with steel right? What is your advise?