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Article: The heat treatment of light metals.(THE HEAT TREAT DOCTOR)
- Article from:
- Industrial Heating
- Article date:
- February 1, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2008 BNP Media. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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When we deal with applications where strength-to-weight ratio is a critical consideration, we often turn to solutions involving the so-called "light metals." Aluminum, magnesium, titanium and in some cases beryllium enhance engineering performance while minimizing the weight of components and structures. Most of us involved in heat treating these materials know how we do it, but it is equally important to understand why we do it. Let's learn more.
First, it is important to remember that light metals possess other physical properties that may be of importance in selection or service. These include the good electrical and thermal conductivity of aluminum, the ...