As detailed by Metlab Heat Treat in their article, “Metal Hardening / Metal Quenching / Metal Tempering,” heat treatment processes are essential for enhancing the mechanical properties of metals. These treatments improve hardness and strength, resulting in tougher and more durable components that meet specific performance requirements in modern manufacturing.

Heat treatment involves heating an alloy above its critical transformation temperature, which puts the material’s carbon and other alloying elements into solid solution. This is followed by rapid cooling—commonly known as quenching—in water, oil, or another suitable liquid. The quenching process “freezes” the microstructure, transforming the softer initial material into a much harder and stronger structure. However, rapid cooling induces internal stresses, so the hardened material is typically tempered or stress relieved to improve its dimensional stability and toughness.

Click here to learn more about Advanced Technical Product’s services or here to read the full article.

Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of Metlab Heat Treat — https://www.metlabheattreat.com