Specialty Steel Treating & Heat Treatment Services

Treating steel is broadly referred to as heat treatment or thermal processing. Specific processes include annealing, hardening, tempering, quenching, and case hardening. Surface-specific treatments like boronizing, aluminizing, and nitriding are also considered forms of steel treating, each targeting different metallurgical properties such as hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance.

Specialty steels are alloys engineered with specific compositions and properties to meet demanding performance requirements beyond standard carbon steel. They include tool steels, stainless steels, high-speed steels, and heat-resistant alloys. These materials are often used in aerospace, petrochemical, and manufacturing applications where standard steels would fail under extreme temperature, pressure, or corrosive conditions.

A heat treating company provides controlled thermal processing services for metal components to alter their physical and mechanical properties. Services typically include annealing, hardening, tempering, case hardening, and surface treatments like boronizing or nitriding. Companies like VaporKote also offer specialized diffusion coatings that go beyond conventional heat treatment to provide superior wear and corrosion protection.

The cost of heat treating varies based on the process, component size, material, and required specifications. While there is an upfront investment, heat treatment is highly cost-effective over time. VaporKoted and treated components consistently outlast untreated parts, reducing replacement frequency and maintenance costs—often saving clients hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in avoided downtime and component failures.

Boronizing diffuses boron into a metal surface to achieve extreme hardness (RC75+ equivalency) for superior wear and erosion resistance. Aluminizing diffuses aluminum into the surface to create a protective layer against high-temperature oxidation and corrosion. Both are diffusion processes, but boronizing targets mechanical wear while aluminizing is optimized for high-temperature corrosion environments.

VaporKote provides heat treatment and coating services to a wide range of industries including oil production, petrochemical refining, aerospace, mining, pulp and paper, heat exchanger manufacturing, agriculture, and manufacturing. Our Anaheim facility is equipped to handle both small precision components and large industrial parts up to 68 inches in diameter.

Process turnaround times depend on the specific treatment, component volume, and complexity. Standard heat treatment cycles can range from several hours to a full day. Diffusion coatings like boronizing and aluminizing require high-temperature soak times and cool-down periods. VaporKote works closely with each client to provide realistic timelines and minimize downtime for your operations.

Yes. VaporKote adheres to ASTM, ASME, SAE, API, and other recognized engineering codes and practices across all heat treatment and coating processes. Our commitment to these standards ensures that every treated component meets or exceeds the stringent quality and performance requirements of aerospace, petrochemical, manufacturing, and other regulated industries.