Quenching is a heat treating process that involves the rapid cooling of a work piece in order to harden it and increase its strength. Quenching is used to harden an array of materials ranging from steels to plastics. The process of quenching is achieved through a variety of heat-treating techniques, such as quenching with oils, water, or air. Depending on the required hardness and strength, the quenching process may have to be repeated multiple times.
To begin the quenching process, a work piece must be heated up to a specific temperature. This temperature varies depending on the material being treated and will usually be outlined in a specific heat treating specification. Once the work piece has reached the predetermined temperature, it is then rapidly cooled to the desired hardness.
The type of quenching medium used will depend upon the material being quenched and the desired hardness achieved. Quenching with oil can help to provide a uniform coolant over the entire surface of the work piece and can also be used to temper harder metals. Quenching with water can help to reduce heat quickly and is particularly beneficial for quenching larger pieces.
Air quenching is often seen as the least desirable of the quenching techniques as it provides an inconsistent cooling rate, which can lead to a weakened or incomplete end product. Air cooling will generally be used in situations where a harder material is not required or when the work piece is too large and complex to be quenched using a liquid.
Regardless of the type of quenching process used, hardening through quenching is a process that should not be rushed. Taking the time to ensure that all safety procedure are adhered to can help to ensure the best outcome for the workpiece being treated.
Once the quenching process is complete, the temperature of the work piece will need to be evaluated to ensure the desired hardness has been achieved. If the hardness is insufficient, the quenching process may need to be repeated until the desired hardness is reached.
The quenching process is used often to provide a harder material that is also more resistant to wear and tear. Quenching can be used to strengthen a variety of materials, from steels to plastics, and is an essential tool for any heat treating professional. Despite the dangers that can arise from the quenching process, if followed properly, it can produce superior results.
