Normalizing is a type of heat treatment process that is used for ferrous metals only. The process consists of the following;

 

Heating (above the austenizing temperature)

The steel is heated slowly and uniformly to a temperature approximately 40 deg C above the austenizing temperature (A3, ACM).

 

Holding (certain period)

The steel is held in the heated state for a certain period of time (varies due to composition). Until the structure is fully austenized and homogenous.

 

Cooling (Air cooled)

Once the holding phase has been completed the steel is then removed from the furnace and allowed to air cool by itself to ambient temperature.

 

Benefits:

- Fine (higher strength and hardness) grain pearlitic structure

- Uniform mechanical properties

- Remove internal stresses from the steel

- Improve machinability.