Structural aeroengine components like forged high-pressure compressor discs are usually made of nickel-based superalloys due to their excellent high-temperature properties. [1] Especially Inconel 718 (IN718) is very widespread because of its excellent strength at elevated temperatures in combination with good fatigue and creep properties. [2] The specific performance of IN718 can mostly be attributed to the fine, semi-coherent c² precipitates, which act as a strengthening phase within the nickel matrix. c² is formed during a twostep aging sequence [3] which is performed after forging and before machining to final geometry. As dislocations represent potential nucleation sites for c² precipitates, rapid quenching to freeze dislocations increases the number of precipitates formed during the annealing cycle and, therefore, lead to a higher final strength. This optional heat treatment route which involves water quenching from the forging temperature, instead of solution annealing and subsequent air cooling, is referred to as ªdirect agingº. [4] However, water quenching leads to high residual stresses within the components. Although quenching is followed by the final aging treatment (with subsequent air cooling), residual stresses are not completely relieved. Therefore, heavy distortions of the forged component during machining to its final shape are still observed. These can lead to non-correctable deviations from COMMUNICATIONS