This specification, in conjunction with the general requirements for steel heat treatment in AMS 2759, establishes requirements for thermal stress relief treatments of parts manufactured from the following materials: a. Carbon and Low Alloy Steels; b. Tool Steels; c. Precipitation Hardening, Corrosion-Resistant and Maraging Steels; d. Austenitic Corrosion-Resistant Steels; and e. Martensitic Corrosion-Resistant Steels.

Stress relief of parts is performed to reduce residual stresses and thereby improve dimensional stability, decrease warpage during machining, and facilitate subsequent forming operations. It is also performed prior to plating or other chemical processing to prevent cracking during processing.