Non-heat-treatable alloys

Non-heat-treatable alloys are metallic materials whose mechanical properties, particularly strength and hardness, cannot be significantly improved by conventional heat treatment processes such as solution annealing, quenching, and precipitation hardening (also known as tempering). Instead, their properties are primarily determined by the chemical composition and/or cold working (e.g. rolling, drawing, bending).

Key characteristics

• Not hardenable by heat treatment – Properties remain largely unchanged after thermal processing
• Strength increased through cold working – Mechanical deformation introduces strain hardening
• Good corrosion resistance and dimensional stability – Particularly beneficial in chemically or thermally demanding environments
• High formability in annealed condition – Ideal for shaping, bending, or deep drawing
• Stable microstructure – Retains performance even under prolonged thermal exposure

Typical alloy groups

• Aluminium alloys of the 1xxx, 3xxx, and 5xxx series – e.g. EN AW-1050, -3003, -5754
• Copper and brass alloys – e.g. Cu-ETP, CuZn37
• Austenitic stainless steels – e.g. 1.4301 / AISI 304, which cannot be hardened by quenching and tempering

Applications

• Apparatus and tank construction – Pipes, claddings, and housings
• Electrical and power engineering – Busbars, conductors, terminal components
• Aerospace and transportation – Panels and structural elements with good corrosion resistance
• Building and façade systems – Aluminium profiles and sheet cladding
• Food, chemical, and medical industries – Corrosion-resistant components with stable mechanical properties

You will find all our alloys in our alloy finder