Vacuum quenching and tempering is a highly beneficial process that improves dimensional stability and prevents decarburisation of steel compared to conventional treatments. This provides the possibility of treating a wide range of steels, including semi-finished parts.
It consists of two main stages: quenching, which involves the rapid heating of the material at high temperature and its subsequent rapid cooling, and tempering, which consists of heating the material to a lower temperature and then its slower cooling.
The application of this process in a vacuum environment is done to prevent oxidation on the surface of the material.
Processes Details
The process is carried out in a vacuum or high vacuum environment, reaching temperatures up to 1250º C, and offers cooling options in nitrogen, argon or oil. This flexibility allows the treatment to be adapted to the specific needs of each material.
The first stage of the process (vacuum quenching) involves heating the material to a temperature above its critical transformation point, followed by rapid cooling in inert gas or oil. The rapid decrease in temperature hardens the material, resulting in a harder and more resistant structure.
After the quenching, in the second stage (Vacuum tempering), the material is heated again, but this time to a lower temperature. Then, it cools slowly in the same vacuum environment. Tempering reduces the fragility that can arise from quenching and improves the resilience and corrosion resistance of the material.
Parts and Components
Examples of parts treated with this process include cutting tools such as blades, cutting tools and drill bits, which obtain greater hardness and wear resistance, improving their performance and service life. Likewise, mechanical components such as machine parts, gears and shafts, as well as automotive parts such as starter motors and suspension systems, undergo this treatment to improve their mechanical properties and fatigue resistance. In addition, in the aerospace industry, critical components such as turbines, rotors and structural parts and landing gear benefit from this process to ensure their integrity and resistance in extreme conditions.
Vacuum quenching and tempering is usually preceded by final processes such as Nitriding and coatings such as Hard Chrome plating or HVOF.
Fields of Application
This treatment is widely used in aeronautics, automotive and capital goods industries, where high strength and performance metal components are required. In the aeronautical industry, this process ensures the reliability and strength of critical components in aircrafts and spacecrafts. In the automotive industry, it is applied to manufacture parts and components that need strength and durability to withstand operating conditions. Meanwhile, in capital goods, such as heavy machinery and industrial equipment, the properties of various steels and alloys used are improved.
By choosing TTT Group, the application of Vacuum Quenching and Tempering is guaranteed with the highest quality standards supported by the corresponding aeronautical certifications.
