ASTM B850

Hydrogen Embrittlement Relief is the process by which metals such as hardened steel become brittle and fracture due to the introduction and subsequent diffusion of hydrogen into the metal during the plating operation. These individual hydrogen atoms within the metal gradually recombine to form hydrogen molecules, creating pressure from within which can increase to levels where the material has reduced ductility and tensile strength, to the point where it could crack. This is known as Hydrogen Induced Cracking and is often a result of accidental introduction of hydrogen during forming and finishing operations. Embrittlement Relief, a process for removing the hydrogen, can be driven out with a post-bake operation.

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