Heat treatment
All heat treatment processes can be tailored to the needs of a specific customer or part and are carried out by qualified technicians in accordance with AMS and British Standards.
The Maycast-Nokes heat treatment facility is available for independent sub-contract work.
Our heat treatment facilities include:
2 x Solution ovens
Working capacity: 900 x 900 x 600
Weight: up to 140 kg
4 x Precipitation ovens (3 x Class 2, 1 x Class 1)
Working capacity: Up to 1000 x 1000 x 1000
Weight: Up to 200 kg
All computer controlled, fully traceable and monitored by our Materials Laboratory.
Heat treatment frequently asked questions
Questions about our reverse engineering service, including part recreation and support for legacy components.
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Heat treatment is a controlled heating and cooling process used to improve the metal’s physical and mechanical properties. While some grades of aluminium are able used in their “as cast” condition, heat treatment is essential for applications requiring specific high-performance characteristics. Our in-house heat treatment capability supports consistent results and helps reduce lead times while maintaining full process control and traceability throughout.
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Yes, our heat treatment facilities include:
2 x Solution ovens with a working capacity of 900 x 900 x 600mm, and weight up to 140 kg. Solution Heat Treatment involves heating the alloy to a specific temperature, typically between 500°C and 550°C, where the alloying elements dissolve into a solid solution. The cast part is then rapidly cooled via quenching, usually in water. Locking the alloying elements in a supersaturated solution, preparing it for ageing (precipitation).
4 x Precipitation ovens (3 x Class 2, 1 x Class 1) with a working capacity of up to 1000 x 1000 x 1000mm, and weight up to 200 kg. Precipitation Hardening (Ageing) involves heating the quenched alloy to a lower temperature for a specified period. This allows the dissolved alloying elements to precipitate from the supersaturated solution, enhancing strength by forming fine, dispersed particles in the alloy matrix.
All our ovens are computer controlled, fully traceable and monitored by our Materials Laboratory.
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Maycast-Nokes in-house heat treatment facility is certified by NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defence Contractors Accreditation Program). This industry-managed, program is designed to standardise quality assurance and technical audits for “special processes” such as heat treatment, welding, and non-destructive testing that cannot be verified by inspecting the final product alone.
Maycast-Nokes holds NADCAP approvals for non-destructive testing (NDT) and heat treatment procedures. The company is also approved to ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100 Rev D, reflecting a continued commitment to rigorous quality management standards.
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Heat treatment improves cast aluminium and steel parts by refining their internal microstructure. It relieves internal stresses from the cooling process, minimises the risk of warping, and enhances mechanical properties like strength, hardness, ductility, and fatigue resistance, making the final component much more durable.
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