Heat treatment processes are used to enhance the strength and durability of aluminum components found in everything from airplanes to everyday consumer goods. These processes include solution heat treating, quenching, and aging. In this first installment of our blog series on aluminum heat treating, we will examine the science behind these processes. Understanding the Metallurgy of Aluminum Heat Treating Heat-treatable aluminum contains alloying elements like copper, silicon, and magnesium. These elements are added in varying combinations to provide a range of properties, including greater strength, increased hardness, improved machinability, corrosion resistance, and more. To create these properties within the aluminum
