The Importance of Heat Treatment in Stainless Steel Wire Mesh Production

Heat treatment plays a significant role in the production of stainless steel wire mesh. Following the explosive welding process, the strength and hardness of the mesh are enhanced. However, this increase in strength often leads to reduced plasticity, which can hinder subsequent straightening and application requirements. To address this, heat treatment is employed to eliminate internal stress and restore forward plasticity to the mesh.

Nevertheless, heat treatment for stainless steel wire mesh presents unique challenges. Stainless steel, unlike carbon steel, has its own solid solution treatment principles. Some stainless steel materials, such as ultra-low carbon duplex stainless steel and other alloys, are prone to the separation of Fe-Cr intermetallic brittle phases when subjected to prolonged exposure below 950°C. This separation can significantly reduce the plasticity and intergranular corrosion resistance of the stainless steel mesh.

On the other hand, carbon structural steel typically undergoes normalizing at temperatures around 890°C. Prolonged overheating of carbon steel can result in the formation of coarse grains and a decrease in its resistance properties. Therefore, finding the optimal balance in heat treatment temperature, insulation time, and cooling principles becomes crucial.

Furthermore, the heat treatment principles employed also have a significant impact on the shear strength of stainless steel wire mesh. For instance, in the case of 1Crl8Ni8T1 16Mn stainless steel mesh, when the heat treatment temperature exceeds 400 degrees, there is a noticeable coarsening of grains in the bottom layer, leading to a significant decrease in shear strength. However, higher heat treatment temperatures can enhance impact resistance, bending function, and elongation properties.

To achieve the desired characteristics in stainless steel wire mesh, careful consideration must be given to the selection of heat treatment parameters. The temperature, insulation time, and cooling principles must be chosen with precision to balance the enhancement of desirable properties while avoiding any detrimental effects on the mesh's structural integrity.

In conclusion, heat treatment plays a vital role in the production of stainless steel wire mesh. It helps optimize the mesh's properties, ensuring the right balance of strength, plasticity, and corrosion resistance. By carefully selecting the heat treatment parameters, manufacturers can achieve high-quality stainless steel wire mesh that meets the specific requirements of various applications.