When it comes to metal fabrication, there are a lot of processes that are utilised to effectively modify the properties of metal products according to the intended application. These processes normally require specific conditions and elements so they can be done without any compromises.
Two processes that can modify the overall composition of metal products are quenching and tempering. Quenching is a metal heat treatment process that is done by cooling a metal for it to acquire adjusted mechanical properties. Tempering, alternatively, heats it to a high temperature before cooling it through different media, helping the product reduce internal stresses and lessen brittleness.
The Effects of the Quenching Process
As mentioned, quenching takes place by cooling a metal product. During this metal heat treatment process, the heated metal product is normally submerged in a cooling media such as oil, water, or brine, allowing it to solidify and harden. The overall cooling process of quenching ensures that the metal product will be prevented from undergoing unsought low-temperature processes. Moreover, it allows metal products to be durable enough in withstanding elements that can come from various applications.
One downside of quenching, however, is that the metal product tends to become brittle. Quenching can likewise make it vulnerable to cracking and other similar irregularities. Fortunately, these problems can be resolved by allowing a metal product to undergo additional heat treatment processes.
The Process of Tempering is Vital
Tempering is one of the additional heat treatment processes that metal can undergo after quenching. This specific process is done to reduce the hardness of a metal product or alloy and subsequently enhance its durability. These properties allow a metal product or alloy to be useful in extreme conditions.
This process is conducted through heating a metal to a certain duration and temperature for it to gain the previously stated properties. The exact duration and temperature of the heating process vary based on the intended application of the metal. For instance, hard tools are usually tempered at low temperatures so they can an increased hardness. Springs and other flexible mechanical parts, alternatively, are tempered at higher temperatures for them to obtain a decrease in hardness.
Conducting the tempering process can easily help eradicate the brittleness of metal out of the quenching process. Additionally, subjecting metal products or alloys under quenching and tempering processes can help them achieve the desired hardness, ductility, and durability, which can be very useful in certain applications and industries.
Alpha Detroit Heat Treatment Services
If you want to know more about both quenching and tempering processes, then feel free to contact us Alpha Detroit Heat Treatment. We provide a wide range of services for all your heat treatment needs. Our expertise allows us to suggest the most appropriate process for your heat treatment requirements. We likewise pride ourselves on providing quality service and reliability.
Industries such as mining, construction, marine, and energy usually utilise the capabilities of large gears. And as these industries foresee a growing demand for tools and equipment that rely primarily on these mentioned gears, the production of these gears is now more prioritised compared before.
Just like any other tools and equipment, large gears must be able to resist wear and other elements that could negatively affect their functions and longevity. One way to ensure their durability and reliability is through effective heat treatment methods. Though, different manufacturers maximise varying heat treatment processes in producing high-quality large gears.
Heat Treatment Processes for Large Gears
Some of the most notable heat treatment processes for large gears include carburising, nitriding, induction hardening, and through hardening. These processes have unique approaches in making sure that the specifications of the large gears can meet the needs and demands of industries.
Challenges in Heat Treating Large Gears
Heat treatment processes may be effective in enhancing the properties of large gears. But there are few factors that can affect these processes as well as their respective outcomes. For one, the final part dimensions of large gears can be hugely affected by these processes, especially if residual stresses are not eliminated properly. And as the size of the gears increases, the challenges of distortion are known to be greater. In fact, problems with distortion may also occur during the final heat treatment step.
Other challenges that manufacturers often encounter during the heat-treating process of large gears are temperature uniformity, carbon uniformity within the process gas, transport of gears from one furnace component to the other, investment and running costs, the construction of the quenching equipment, and meeting the expertise needed for an effective heat-treating application.
For more information about heat treating large gears, just contact us at Alpha Detroit Heat Treatment.