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.
The aim of VSR treatment is improved dimensional stability and less distortion during subsequent machining.
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 course of the resonance during treatment. The documentation serves as process 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.
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.
Frequently asked questions about vibration stress relief
What is vibration stress relief (vibratory stress relieving)?
Vibration stress relief (VSR) is a process that reduces residual stress peaks in welded structures mechanically via resonance vibrations, without heat. The workpiece is excited at its resonance frequency with a controlled amplitude for a defined period; no thermal distortion or scaling occurs.
For which components is vibration stress relief suitable?
Vibration stress relief is suitable for large welded structures that do not fit into a furnace or where heat treatment would lead to dimensional deviations – for example welded frames, machine beds, press frames, large flanges, rings and beam structures. The process is applicable to steel, Hardox, stainless steel and fine-grain structural steel.
How is vibration stress relief documented?
Every VSR treatment is recorded: frequency-amplitude diagrams capture the resonance shift during treatment. The records can be presented to customers or inspection bodies as proof of process.
At what point in the production sequence is vibration stress relief carried out?
After welding and before machining or final assembly. Components manufactured in Lorch are integrated into the VSR process directly after welding and then precision-machined in the same company. The aim is lower distortion during subsequent material removal.
Is vibration stress relief also offered for components from external manufacturing?
Yes. At Bock, vibration stress relief is also available as a contract service for customer-supplied components from external manufacturing – as a standalone service or combined with in-house welding and machining.
Contact
Request Vibration Stress Relief
Tell us the dimensions, weight, material and the next machining step. We stress-relieve customer-supplied parts from third-party fabrication as well as welded structures from our own production.
