What Does ICHAZ Stand For?

ICHAZ stands for Intercritical Heat Affected Zone

ICHAZ, or Intercritical Heat Affected Zone, refers to the region in a material, particularly in metals and alloys, that experiences thermal effects during welding or thermal processes. This zone is characterized by a mixture of microstructures resulting from heating below the lower critical temperature and subsequent cooling. Understanding ICHAZ is crucial for assessing mechanical properties, such as strength and toughness, and for predicting the overall performance and durability of welded joints or heat-treated components.