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How to Normalize the Steel Cooling Process

The normalization of the steel cooling process, similar to annealing, is a specialized cooling process applied to forged steel. Normalization alters the traits of the final steel product. Normalizing softens the steel to improve its machinability and malleability; relieves structural stresses caused by previous treatments; and serves to make the grain of the metal smoother. Normalizing requires precise temperature control and the ability to quickly maneuver and manipulate the steel into said furnace..

Instructions

- 1
  Find and record the critical point for the steel type being forged. Different steel alloys will have particular critical points. For low-carbon steels, heat the steel to between 25 and 50 degrees Celsius higher than this critical point; for all high-carbon steels, heat the piece to 50 degrees Celsius over the critical point.
- 2
  Prepare the selected annealing furnace by raising its temperature as close as possible to the forging temperature of the iron.
- 3
  Quickly transfer the steel piece into the designated annealing furnace.
- 4
  Allow the steel to cool as slowly as possible in the still air of the furnace, gradually reducing the temper. Depending on the size of the project, proper annealing can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

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