ASTM B850-98 (REAPPROVED 2009):
Partial list of hydrogen embrittlement-relief treatment bake times/temperatures for some common high-strength steels
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (000 psi) | Rockwell Hardness HRc | Post-Plate Bake Time @ 190° – 220° C. or 374° – 428° F. |
| 1701 – 1800 | 247 – 261 | 49 – 51 | Minimum 22 hours |
| 1601 – 1700 | 232 – 247 | 47 – 49 | Minimum 20 hours |
| 1501 – 1600 | 218 – 232 | 45 – 47 | Minimum 18 hours |
| 1401 – 1500 | 203 – 218 | 43 – 45 | Minimum 16 hours |
| 1301 – 1400 | 189 – 203 | 39 – 43 | Minimum 14 hours |
| 1201 – 1300 | 174 – 189 | 36 – 39 | Minimum 12 hours |
| 1101 – 1200 | 160 – 174 | 33 – 36 | Minimum 10 hours |
| 1001 – 1100 | 145 – 160 | 31 – 33 | Minimum 8 hours |
***The above strength-to-hardness comparison values are approximate only.
PER ASTM B850-98 (REAPPROVED 2009):
“The heat treatment does not guarantee complete freedom from the adverse effects of hydrogen degradation.”
There are several other types of steels (i.e unpeened items, alloys with a varying composition, types of coatings, chromium plated items etc…) and alloys which have varying temperature and/or bake times that can differ from the above chart. In those certain circumstances, Sonic Plating Co. Inc. may not be able to perform the necessary hydrogen-relief bake processes deemed appropriate. Please refer to the complete ASTM B850-98 (2009) standard to determine the bake process you may require.
Sonic Plating Co. Inc. assumes no liability in guaranteeing the complete and/or partial removal of hydrogen from any part(s) that we handle/treat. It is in the customer’s interest that his/her qualified engineering staff and/or designer(s), specify the required heat treatment on the part during the time of the original purchase order.