It is known that the segregation of {gamma}{prime}-phase in aging austenitic precipitation-hardening spring alloy 36NKhTYu may proceed by two mechanisms: the intermittent and the continuous one. Within a wide range of aging temperatures the reactions of intermittent and continuous segregation compete with each other, and that leads to a so-called mixed structure within each grain. The regions at the grain boundaries at which intermittent segregation occurs are characterized by regular disposition of rod-shaped particles in the depleted matrix. In regions of continuous decomposition the particles of the strengthening phase are more disperse, as a rule, and have equiaxial shape. Differences in the morphology, grain size distribution, nature of the disposition of the particles of {gamma}-phase in the matrix predetermine differences in the effectiveness of precipitation hardening of alloy 36NKhTYu in its segregation by the continuous and the intermittent mechanism under equal aging conditions. The degree of microstructural inhomogeneity of the alloy (ratio of the volume fraction of regions of intermittent and continuous segregation) depends on many factors, its fluctuation leads to a certain scatter of properties, which is impermissible in the production of elastic elements for precision instruments. 10 refs., 4 figs., 2 tabs.