According to ASTM A213, the austenitic stainless steel are heat treated to remove the effects of cold forming or to dissolve precipitated chromium carbides. The surest heat treatment to accomplish both requirements is the solution anneal which is conducted in the 1850°F to 2050°F range (1010°C to 1121°C). Stainless steel cooling from the anneal temperature should be at sufficiently high rates through 1500-800°F (816°C - 427°C) to avoid reprecipitation of chromium carbides.
