Continuous Austemper
The Austempering process provides steel with a tough, high-strength structure that resists embrittlement. This process is particularly appropriate for medium and high carbon stampings that require dimensional repeatability. Austempering is typically cost competitive with conventional quench and temper processes.
Austempering creates a Bainite microstructure which provides superior toughness at high hardnesses over typical Martensitic Neutral Hardened (quenched and tempered) steel. Austempering produces minimal distortion, no cracking during quenching and is resistant to hydrogen embrittlement. Austempered steel is superior to conventionally processed steels.
The Process
The Austempering process begins by heating the parts to approximately 1550°F to 1750°F in a carbon controlled atmosphere for protection against oxidization and scale. The parts are then immediately quenched in molten salt at approximately 450°F to 750°F. The molten salt quench temperature is above the Martensitic start temperature and a preferred structure of Bainite forms in the steel.
Austempering is a heat treatment that pertains to ferrous metals. What makes Austempering unique is that transformation takes place over many minutes or hours. This equates to a uniform transformation to its Bainite microstructure. The end results are products that are dimensionally more repeatable and predictable.
Benefits
- Less Distortion
- Higher Strength and Toughness
- Lighter Parts and Components
- Lower Overall Component Cost