What is the maximum temperature for areas heated to straighten or curve quenched and tempered steel?

The maximum temperature for areas heated to straighten or curve quenched and tempered steel is indeed 1100°F. This temperature is critical because exceeding it can alter the mechanical properties of the steel, potentially leading to a decrease in strength, toughness, and overall integrity.

Quenched and tempered steels undergo specific heat treatment processes to achieve desired mechanical properties. The tempering temperature must be carefully controlled to maintain these properties during any work such as straightening or curving.

At 1100°F, the steel can be effectively modified without causing significant degradation of its structural integrity. Temperatures above this level could lead to undesirable changes in the material's microstructure, possibly resulting in brittleness or other issues that compromise the material's performance in structural applications. Thus, maintaining the heating within this limit is crucial to preserving the qualities that make quenched and tempered steels suitable for demanding engineering applications.