How can you keep heat treated aluminum alloy rivets soft enough to install after the quenching process?

The process of heat treating aluminum alloy rivets involves solution heat treatment followed by quenching to achieve a desired hardness. However, this increased hardness can make the rivets difficult to install immediately after quenching. To keep these rivets workable and avoid the unwanted effects of aging or further hardening, they should be stored in a cooler environment.

Storing rivets in a freezer is effective because it slows down the aging process, keeping them in a more malleable state for a prolonged period. Cold temperatures inhibit the natural tendency of the heat-treated alloy to harden over time, allowing for easier installation when needed. This method effectively extends the functionality of the rivets as it maintains their softer condition.

While storing them in a refrigerator or at room temperature can delay hardening to an extent, these options are less effective compared to a freezer. Immersing rivets in hot water would not only defeat the purpose of keeping them soft but would also potentially alter their properties negatively, making them even harder. Therefore, placing the rivets in a freezer ensures they remain adequately soft for installation after the quenching process.