From heating and quenching, to work hardening, annealing, and more, there are many ways to modify the physical and aesthetic properties of a metal alloy. Although many metals can be modified in these ways, there are some metals that are unique, and therefore, better suited for a method known as metal aging.
Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about metal aging, and how you can make the best out of your aged or over-aged metal supplies.
Metal Aging Basics
Metal aging is a process that changes the physical and aesthetic properties of solution heat-treated metal alloys. There are two types of metal aging: natural and artificial. All metal alloys experience a certain form of aging throughout its lifespan, forming metal precipitates as the years go on. Natural metal aging is beneficial because it renders increased strength and hardness, however, it also reduces its ductility. Artificial aging synthetically accelerates the production of metal precipitates at a must faster rate than if nature took its course.
Metal Alloys That Can Be Aged
The best metal alloys suited for metal aging are solution heat-treatable metal alloys, such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper alloys (notably copper-beryllium alloys), and even titanium, nickel, and magnesium.
▷ Grades of Aluminum – 2XXX, 6XXX, and 7XXX
▷ Grades of Stainless Steel – 17/10P, 17/4PH, and 17/7PH
▷ Grades of Copper – C17200 and C17300
Metal Over-Aging
Metal over-aging is when metal aging takes a turn for the worst. An alloy has over-aged when it’s metal precipitates have changed in size. As a result, the aging process is no longer beneficial, and instead, renders the alloy weaker and softer. The most common causes for metal over-aging are welding or cold working a metal.
What to Do With Aged or Damaged Metal
When aging or over-aging impacts your metal supply, don’t just toss it out; sell it to a local Indianapolis scrap metal recycling center instead. They accept all metals in any condition. You can get paid cash on the spot when you choosing a reputable scrap metal buyer, plus contribute to the important initiative of recycling.
Not sure where to get started with the scrap metal selling process? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to speak with a professional scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all scrap metal and metal commodities, including junk cars.
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