Austemper
Process
Austempering is a process whereby a ferrous component is quenched (most commonly into molten salt) from an austenitising temperature and then held at an elevated temperature to transform to a bainite structure.
Processing Equipment
Salt quenching sealed quench and continuous rotary retort furnaces.
Advantages of Austempering
- Increased ductility & toughness compared to conventional oil quench hardening
- Reduced distortion
- Typical hardnesses 35-55 HRC achieved.
- Component is hardened and tempered in the one process.
Typical materials
- Plain carbon steels containing 0.50 – 1.0% Carbon and a minimum of 0.60%
- Manganese
- Spring Steel
- Ductile Iron