When choosing steel materials for manufacturing, many engineers and buyers come across the term “annealed steel strip.” But what exactly does it mean, and why is it widely used in industries such as automotive, tools, and shoe manufacturing? Let’s explore.
1. The Annealing Process
Annealing is a heat treatment process designed to alter the physical and mechanical properties of steel. During annealing, the steel strip is heated to a specific temperature, held for a controlled period, and then cooled slowly.
This process:
- Increases ductility (flexibility)
- Reduces hardness
- Relieves internal stress
- Improves formability
? In short, annealed steel becomes softer and easier to work with, making it suitable for shaping and bending before any final hardening treatment.
2. Types of Annealed Steel Strip
At Jiaxiao MTC, we mainly produce two types of annealed steel strips:
- Bright Annealed Steel Strip: Heated in a controlled atmosphere to prevent oxidation, resulting in a bright, clean surface without decarburization.
- Spheroidized Annealed Steel Strip: Heated near the critical point for a prolonged period, forming spheroidized carbides, which enhances cold-forming capability.
3. Properties of Annealed Steel Strip
- Thickness Range: 0.1mm – 5.0mm
- Width Range: 2mm – 1200mm
- Hardness: Up to 180HV
- Surface Finish: Bright, polished
- Edge Options: Mill, slit, or sheared
4. Applications of Annealed Steel Strip
Because of its excellent formability and flexibility, annealed steel strip is used in applications that require bending, stamping, or shaping before further treatment, such as:
- Springs and washers
- Clips, pins, and spacers
- Shoe parts like shank and toe caps
- Automotive clutches and components
5. Why Choose Annealed Steel Strip?
If your product design involves complex forming or bending before final heat treatment, annealed steel strip is the ideal choice. It ensures:
- Better productivity in stamping and forming
- Fewer cracks during shaping
- A reliable base for subsequent hardening or tempering
Conclusion
Annealed steel strip is not just a softer steel — it’s a versatile, customizable material that plays a vital role in industries requiring precision and flexibility. At Jiaxiao MTC, we supply high-quality bright and spheroidized annealed steel strips with tight tolerance, consistent hardness, and export-ready packaging to meet your specific needs.
