Frequently Asked Questions

Heat treatment temperatures vary by process and material. For example, vacuum hardening typically ranges from 800°C to 1,200°C, while nitriding operates around 500°C–600°C. Each temperature is carefully controlled to achieve the desired metallurgical properties.
Learn more about our heat treatment capabilities.

Heat treating improves the mechanical and structural properties of metal components. Key benefits include increased hardness, wear resistance, strength, and fatigue life, as well as reduced internal stress and improved dimensional stability—essential for aerospace, automotive, and precision engineering applications.

Wallwork provides heat treatment services to a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, motorsport, medical, nuclear, oil & gas, and general engineering. Our processes meet strict industry standards and are tailored to the performance demands of each sector.
See the industries we support.

Heat treatment is a controlled process used to alter the physical and sometimes chemical properties of a material—most commonly metals. It involves heating and cooling materials at precise temperatures to improve their mechanical properties.

The duration of heat treatment depends on the material, component size, and the specific process used. Some treatments take just a few hours, while more complex cycles—like vacuum brazing or nitriding—may take up to 24 hours or more.
Contact us to discuss your project timeline.

We aim to minimise distortion and dimensional changes through carefully controlled processes and fixturing. However, it’s important to note that all heat treatment methods carry inherent risks of distortion due to material characteristics, geometry, and thermal stresses introduced during processing.

Yes, Wallwork provides advanced heat treatment services for aerospace components. We are NADCAP accredited and hold AS9100 certification, ensuring full compliance with aerospace industry standards. Our processes are designed for precision, reliability, and traceability, and we are approved by several major aerospace manufacturers.

Manchester – Heat Treatment [email protected]
Cambridge – Heat Treatment [email protected]
Birmingham – Heat Treatment –[email protected]

By eliminating internal defects and voids, HIP reduces the likelihood of crack initiation, significantly improving fatigue resistance and extending the lifespan of critical components.

The primary difference is temperature. HIP uses high temperature and pressure, while Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP) uses only high pressure at room temperature. HIP also offers better densification and mechanical property improvement.

HIP cycle times vary based on the material and application. Standard cycles may last anywhere from several hours to over a day.

Industries such as aerospace, medical (implants), automotive, energy, and defense frequently use HIP for high-performance and safety-critical components.

To get a HIP quote please contact [email protected] and [email protected]

Hot Isostatic Pressing, commonly abbreviated as HIP, is a high temperature thermal process, which involves simultaneous application of high temperature and high pressure within a chamber. The main objective of HIP is to eliminate porosity within the material and improve mechanical properties, such as strength and ductility.

To achieve the required pressure, an inert gas is utilised to prevent chemical reactions within the processed material and the pressure is applied isotropically. Argon is the preferred process gas utilised at Wallwork HIP,  ensuring customer components are processed according to the leading industry standards, which is vital when operating at temperatures up to 1250°c.

HIP improves material density, strength, fatigue resistance, and eliminates internal porosity. It can also improve the life and performance of components, especially in critical applications like aerospace.

Yes, HIP is particularly beneficial for 3D-printed parts as it reduces porosity and enhances strength and durability. It’s commonly used as a post-process for metal additive manufactured parts that will be used in aerospace, as well as other critical applications.

Whilst HIP does consume energy, its ability to enhance the durability and lifespan of components reduces waste and the need for frequent replacements, making it environmentally sustainable in the long run.

DLC stands for Diamond Like Carbon. Wallwork offer Nitron DLC which is a pure diamond-like coating (DLC Coating) known for its lubricating and hard wearing properties. For more info click here.

Choosing the right coating depends on factors such as the material, operating environment, and specific performance requirements like wear resistance, corrosion protection, or heat resistance. Wallwork’s team of experts can help assess your needs and recommend the most suitable coating solution. For personalized advice, please contact Brett Nicholson at [email protected].

Yes, Wallwork offers comprehensive post-coating inspection and testing services to ensure the quality and performance of the coatings. We use advanced techniques, measuring thickness, testing adhesion to verify that the coatings meet the required specifications. For more information, please contact Brett Nicholson at [email protected].

PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coatings are widely utilized across a range of sectors, including:

• Oil and Gas
• Medical and Healthcare
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Motorsport
• Automotive
• Power Generation
• Decorative Finishes

Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) Coatings are a Vacuum based coating process which is used to apply a thin, durable films to the surface of parts.

Wallwork Cambridge has various coating systems which include Electron Beam PVD Chambers, Magnatron PVD Chambers, Plasma Enhancement CVD Machines. To compliment these Wallwork also has Automated Cleaning Systems alongside an in-house lab facility to support metallurgical analysis development.

Wallwork Cambridge formerly known as Tecvac Ltd is part of the Wallwork Group Ltd and has a substantial portfolio of commercially available treatments, such as PVD/CVD Coatings, Heat Treatment and Vacuum Brazing. Tecvac Ltd provides this service over a variety of industries covering Aerospace, Automotive, Biomedical, Motorsport and Manufacturing sectors covering the breadth of the UK and Europe.

Yes, Wallwork offers customised coatings tailored to your specific needs. Whether you require enhanced wear resistance, corrosion protection, or thermal stability, our team works closely with you to select and apply the best coating for your application. For more information and to discuss your specific requirements, please contact Brett Nicholson at [email protected].

Wallwork holds key industry certifications, including Nadcap accreditation, AS9100, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001. We are also approved by major aerospace primes such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, and BAE Systems. For a full list, please click here.

Tooling – Cutting tools, drills, punches, and dies benefit from improved hardness, wear resistance, and extended tool life.

Aerospace – Components are coated for reduced friction, enhanced durability, and improved thermal resistance in high-performance environments.

Automotive – Engine parts, transmission components, and decorative trim use PVD for increased performance and corrosion resistance.

Medical – Surgical instruments and implants are coated for biocompatibility, sterilization durability, and reduced wear.

Mould and Die Industry – Moulds for plastics, casting, and stamping benefit from smoother release, longer life, and less maintenance.

Decorative Applications – Watches, bathroom fixtures, and consumer electronics use PVD for a durable, attractive, and scratch-resistant finish.

PVD coatings enhance performance and durability in numerous tools and components, such as:

• Dental tools
• Injection moulding tools and ejector pins
• Plastic injection mould components
• Alternatives to hard chrome plating
• Forming dies and tooling
• Punching and stamping tools
• Ceramic die-casting moulds
• Gear hobbing tools
• Food processing and packaging equipment
• Bag cutting knives
• Cold and hot forming tools
• Orthopaedic implants and surgical instruments

Wallwork uses advanced testing methods such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hardness and microhardness testing, surface roughness analysis, and metallographic evaluation to ensure precise and reliable results.

Wallwork’s laboratory can test a wide variety of materials including steels, stainless steels, titanium, aluminium, nickel-based alloys, and coated components used in aerospace, automotive, medical, and general engineering industries.

Turnaround time varies by test type and volume, but most standard testing can be completed within a few working days. For urgent requirements, expedited services may be available. Contact Andy Day at [email protected] for lead times.

Yes, Wallwork’s lab verifies heat treatment and coating results by measuring hardness profiles, case depth, microstructure, and coating thickness to ensure processes meet required specifications and standards.

To request laboratory services or receive a quote, please contact Andy Day at [email protected]. Provide details about your project, materials, and testing requirements for a tailored response.

Yes, vacuum brazing is well-suited for joining dissimilar metals. It allows for strong, reliable joints between materials with different thermal and mechanical properties, making it ideal for complex or multi-material assemblies.

The vacuum brazing process typically takes several hours, depending on the size and complexity of the components. For a more accurate time estimate, please contact Brett Nicholson at [email protected]

Braze alloys are chosen to take into consideration of any material temperature requirements, temperatures typically range from 700 to 1200 degrees C.

The cost of vacuum brazing varies based on part size, quantity, material, and joint complexity. For an accurate quote, please get in touch with Brett Nicholson at [email protected].

Vacuum Brazing is performed under vacuum with excellent temperature uniformity. This means that components can be treated using controlled heating and cooling which in turn reduces residual stress in the component.

One of the primary benefits of Vacuum Brazing is its ability to produce joints with high strength while maintaining the base material’s original properties, ensuring structural integrity. It is also cost-effective on a per-part basis, especially in large-scale production. The process allows for the joining of dissimilar materials, broadening its application across various industries. Additionally, vacuum brazing is a clean process, as it eliminates the need for flux, resulting in no residue. It produces void-free and leak-proof joints, which enhances reliability. The method also supports the simultaneous processing of multiple joints and parts, leading to improved overall quality and efficiency in manufacturing.

Wallwork can process vacuum brazed parts up to 1.5 meters in length, with working zones measuring 840mm x 900mm x 1700mm.

Wallwork offer vacuum brazing of a wide range of materials, including stainless steel, copper, nickel alloys, and many dissimilar metal combinations. It’s ideal for metals that require clean, high-strength joints without oxidation.

Wallwork ensures quality control through strict process monitoring, precision temperature control, and thorough inspection of all joints. We operate under certified quality standards and use advanced testing methods to guarantee clean, strong, and defect-free brazed components.

Yes, vacuum brazing is ideal for producing leak-tight and hermetic seals. The process creates clean, strong, and void-free joints, making it suitable for critical applications in aerospace, medical, and vacuum systems.

Wallwork Transport covers key regions across the UK. Please contact us by phone or email to confirm service availability in your area.

Yes, all goods are covered by Goods in Transit insurance while using Wallwork’s Transport service.

No, transport is charged separately from heat treatment services. Please contact us for a tailored quote.

If you experience any issues with collection or delivery, please contact the relevant Wallwork site directly for assistance.

Tracking and delivery updates will soon be available through the Wallwork Customer Portal.

Wallwork Transport offers a personal, reliable service with drivers who understand your specific orders. It saves you the hassle of organising third-party couriers, reduces delivery costs and time, and helps lower your environmental impact.

You can arrange a collection via telephone/email/Customer portal. A delivery only request should be made by telephone/email.

Same-day collections may be possible if requested early, the driver hasn’t passed your area, and it’s a scheduled transport day. Contact your local site to check availability.

Wallwork Transport operates from our Manchester, Birmingham, and Cambridge sites, with regular vehicle transfers between locations to support seamless service.

Parts are transported in secure, closed vehicles and packaged appropriately to ensure protection, stability, and security during transit.

Yes, Wallwork has extensive experience in safely transporting delicate, high-value, and aerospace components, ensuring secure handling and protection throughout transit.

To cancel or change a scheduled pickup, please contact the relevant Wallwork depot by phone as soon as possible.

Transport costs are based on the weight and details of your order. You can request a tailored quote by providing these details.