Quenching and Tempering is a critical thermal process used in the metal materials industry. Its main objective is to modify the structure of these materials in order to obtain specific properties such as hardness, resilience and strength which are necessary for various applications.

This process is carried out in specially designed continuous furnaces equipped with atmosphere control systems, automatic time and temperature regulation, as well as real-time monitoring tools and comprehensive recording of the entire process. These characteristics guarantee accuracy and reproducibility in obtaining the desired results.

The process is as follows:

• The temperature is raised until austenitizing temperature is reached which, depending on the type of steel, ranges between 800ºC and 1000ºC
• This austenitizing temperature is maintained until the temperature of the core of the part is equal to that of the outside and thereby transforms the microstructure into austenite.
• The parts are cooled directly in a cold medium that is usually oil. The cooling speed should be high enough to ensure the transformation to martensite and thus obtain the desired hardness and strength.
• The parts are heated to temperatures between 150ºC and 600ºC to temper the martensite and give the structure greater toughness.

After quenching and tempering, the metal parts can be given an additional finish such as oiling or shot blasting to improve their aesthetic appearance, protect them against corrosion or prepare them for possible subsequent protective baths.

This heat treatment is most often applied to a wide range of metal parts including screws, nuts, washers, and other similar elements. These parts, when subjected to the quenching and tempering process, acquire the mechanical properties necessary to withstand loads, deformations, and stresses, guaranteeing their performance and durability.

It is also applied in heavy load parts such as drive shafts, forks, support bars, springs and cutting or hammering tools.

In terms of industrial applications, Quenching and Tempering finds its main use in sectors such as the automotive industry, where these parts are essential in the construction of engines, chassis, and transmission systems. For this sector we hold the IATF Certification. It is also widely used in the field of industrial vehicles, including heavy machinery and construction equipment. In addition, the renewable energy sector also benefits from this process, as heat-treated parts are vital in the manufacture of wind turbines, solar panels and clean energy generation systems.