Our Process
Eliminating Residual Stress Before It Becomes a Machining Problem
All sand castings contain residual stresses from the solidification and cooling process. When castings are machined without prior stress relief, the release of those stresses causes the part to move — bores go out of round, flat surfaces develop bow, and tolerances that were achievable in the first cut cannot be held through finish machining.
Ironbound schedules stress relieving as part of the production sequence — before rough machining, before finish machining, or both, depending on drawing requirements and casting geometry. The treatment is documented with furnace charts and certifications that ship with the casting.
Sequenced with Machining
Stress relief scheduled before rough or finish machining as required — Ironbound manages the full sequence in-house
Key Capabilities
Stress Relieving Advantages
Dimensional Stability in Machining
Residual casting stresses release during machining and cause parts to move off dimension. Stress relieving before machining locks in dimensional stability — especially critical for tight-tolerance castings with thin walls or complex geometry.
All Alloys
Stress relief is applicable to every alloy we pour — bronze, aluminum, nickel alloys, Monel, stainless steel, and iron. Temperature and time are selected based on alloy and section thickness.
Pre- and Post-Machining
Stress relieving can be performed before rough machining, after rough machining before finish, or after welding. Ironbound engineers determine the right sequence based on your drawing requirements.
Full Documentation
Furnace charts with time, temperature, and cooling rate recorded for every lot. Certification furnished with casting delivery for Navy and specification-controlled orders.
Specifications
