Tool Steel Supplier

Steel parts often require some form of heat treatment to achieve an increase in hardness and obtain maximum strength and durability. Through the many different processes of heat treatment, the properties of steel are changed via physical and mechanical channels. As an added benefit, heat treatment can also aid in the manufacturing process. When we talk about the change of mechanical properties, we’re referring to the shear strength, toughness and tensile strength of the steel. Allowing for this mechanical change in properties enables your product to be more efficient in its daily duties and more resistant to wear and tear during even its toughest jobs. There are a number of different heat treatment options to choose from—and they all are dependent on the properties required for the steel’s end function. It’s essential to work with an established company that recognizes these differences to ensure that your product meets the specified requirements you have in mind for it. Like...

The hardening process and what transformation the steel goes through during the hardening process. Hardening (A specific heating and cooling process based on the chemistry of the material) is performed on all ferrous steels to develop the proper microstructure and optimal properties of the material. The 1st stage of hardening is the preheat cycle.  Preheating the steel helps to prevent thermal shock & helps the material adjust to the higher hardening temperatures. During the heat treating cycle, the material goes through many transformation stages, usually 10-12 stages.  During this process the material will shrink & grow.  It will form austenite (material will shrink and become non-magnetic), then martensite (Growth larger than its starting size at room temperature), then tempered martensite (returns to dimensions very close to starting datums at the start point). Note: Proper hardening processes will produce as close to a homogeneous (tight) microstru...