Vibration Stress Relief VSR – Contract Service for Welded Structures
Relieve residual stresses in welded structures and steel components – vibration stress relief (VSR) as a fast, cost-effective alternative to thermal stress relieving, with no size limit.
Process without heat
VSR reduces residual stresses purely mechanically – no furnace, no scaling, no thermal distortion.
Cost-effective alternative
Significantly lower cost and faster turnaround than furnace stress relieving.
No size limitation
Independent of furnace capacity – also suited to oversized structures.
Improved dimensional stability
Reduces stress-induced dimensional deviation during subsequent machining.
DIN EN ISO 9001:2015
Quality management with documented treatment protocols.
Vibration Stress Relief – Process and Application
Vibration stress relief uses resonance vibrations to redistribute residual stresses in welded steel structures. Controlled vibration is applied to the workpiece at its resonance frequency for a defined period. This reduces peak stresses without thermal distortion or scaling.
VSR is particularly suitable for large welded structures that cannot be placed in a furnace, or where thermal treatment would cause distortion. The process is performed on-site or in the workshop, with minimal handling effort for heavy components. VSR works independently of component size and material – applicable to steel, Hardox, stainless steel and fine-grain structural steel.
After VSR treatment, dimensional stability is improved and subsequent machining risks from stress-induced movement are significantly reduced.
Vibration stress relief treatment at Bock is documented throughout the process. Frequency response measurements and treatment parameters are recorded and a treatment certificate is available on request. This documentation is especially valuable for components destined for precision CNC machining after VSR. Residual stresses locked into a welded steel structure during fabrication can cause material movement during subsequent CNC operations, leading to dimensional deviations. By reducing and homogenising stresses before machining, VSR significantly improves dimensional stability. VSR is also available as a standalone service for externally supplied welded assemblies, with full treatment documentation and quality records provided for each component processed in Lorch, Germany.
The VSR process is fully documented: frequency-amplitude diagrams show the resonance shift and verify the stress-relief effect achieved. This documentation can be used as evidence for customers or inspection bodies.
At Bock, VSR is available as a contract service – including for customer-supplied components from external production. Components manufactured in Lorch are integrated directly into the VSR process after welding, before machining or final assembly begins.
Vibration stress relief can significantly reduce manufacturing costs compared with stress-relief annealing in a furnace. Short treatment times, no scaling and the option of in-house treatment noticeably reduce costs and logistics effort.
Suitable Components for VSR Treatment
VSR vibration stress relief is suitable for welded steel structures:
- Heavy welded frames and base structures
- Machine beds and press frames for mechanical engineering
- Large flanges, rings and beam structures
- Components requiring subsequent precision machining
- Structures where furnace treatment is impractical due to size
VSR is available as a standalone service or combined with our in-house welding and machining capabilities.
Typical Applications
VSR vibration stress relief is used across multiple industries:
- Crane and lifting equipment structures
- Vehicle and trailer chassis
- Industrial frames and support structures
- Large press frames and tooling structures
- Pre-treatment before precision machining of welded parts
Stress-relieved components can proceed directly to precision CNC machining in the same facility.
VSR at Bock – Your Advantages
Bock Maschinenbau offers vibration stress relief as part of a complete manufacturing and quality process:
- No furnace required
- VSR works without thermal treatment – no scaling, no distortion from heat.
- Cost-effective alternative to thermal stress relief
- Significantly lower cost and faster turnaround compared to furnace annealing.
- Suitable for large structures
- No size limitation from furnace capacity – works for oversized welded structures.
- Improved dimensional stability
- Reduces risk of stress-induced movement during subsequent precision machining.
- DIN EN ISO 9001:2015
- Quality management system with documented treatment protocols.
- Short distances within the region
- Welding and steel-construction companies from the Ostalbkreis, the Stuttgart area and the DACH region have their assemblies vibration-stress-relieved by us in Lorch – without long transport to an annealing furnace.
Contact
Your project — right from the region
Send us your enquiry for contract manufacturing, structural steel or custom machinery — we'll get back to you promptly.
Request Vibration Stress Relief
Send us details of your welded structure, dimensions, material and requirements. We will assess feasibility and provide a quotation.