What is the maximum temperature for heat shaping for all other steels?

• A. 590 C (1100 F)
• B. 700 C (1292 F)
• C. 650 C (1200 F)
• D. 600 C (1112 F)

Answer: (C)

Heat shaping should be done with enough heat to allow controlled deformation but not so much that the steel’s properties start to change significantly. For all ordinary carbon and low‑alloy steels, that balance is set at a maximum of 650°C (1200°F). Heating above this can cause tempering or other microstructural changes in the heat‑affected zone, which can soften the metal, degrade strength, and promote undesirable grain growth or distortions on cooling. Staying at 650°C or below keeps the material within a range where you can reshape without compromising weld zones or base metal. The other temperatures listed are either too low to achieve effective shaping or too high and would risk altering the properties.