The evidence suggests that Quenching has been practiced since the Iron Age. The time when blacksmiths and ironworkers recognized that the heating process and following cooling procedure affected the strength and brittleness of iron. The started utilizing Quenching of metals to make various kinds of steel including structural steel for the construction industry and stainless steel products for common use in day to day life. In this article, we will discuss about Quenching Furnace along with the processes of Quenching.

What is the purpose of Quenching?

Quenching involves the soaking of metal at an extremely high temperature above the recrystallization process which is followed by the rapid cooling process to obtain certain desirable properties of the material. Quenching Furnace may be utilized to directly regulate the effects of a chemical reaction or treat an emergency vent stream.

Quenching is typically used to preserve mechanical properties related to the crystalline structure or phase distribution that would disappear with slow cooling. In contrast with slow cooling the rapid cooling done in Quenching Furnace alters the structure of the metal and consequently the hardness surface or core characteristics and elastic properties.

How the Quenching Rate Influences the Performance of the Metal?

Metals are made to meet different specifications in various situations and use. They are characterized by the strength (hardness), and the elasticity (brittleness) of the metal is determined by the speed of Quenching that is determined by the usage of various vertical Quenching Furnaces. In Quenching, these media are utilized to cool the material quickly

·        Air/argon/nitrogen

·        Liquid polymers

·        Oil

·        Water

Tempering and annealing are both heat treatments in conjunction with Quenching which may ease some of the stresses caused by quenching and can even trigger the possibility of a brand fresh metal transformation.

What are the advantages of Quenching?

As compared to other methods of heating that use induction heating for Quenching and tempering or annealing provides these advantages:

·        In Quenching Accurate adjustment to the rate of temperature increase

·        Heat zone precision

·        Repeatable, stable cycle

·        The material that has been properly taken through Quenching is more durable and has greater tensile strength.

·        Quenching is a straightforward process compared to other heat treatment methods.

What are the well-known types Quenching furnaces?

•                 Integral Quench Furnaces

•                 Industrial Heat Treat Furnace

•                 High-Efficiency Box Furnaces

•                 Gas/Pressure Quench - Dual Chamber Furnaces

•                 Modular Vacuum Furnaces

•                 Oil Quench - Dual Chamber Furnaces

•                 Pit Furnaces

•                 Single Chamber Vacuum Furnaces

•                 Tool Room / Small Batch Vacuum Furnaces

•                 Vacuum Carburizing Furnaces

Conclusion

It is important to understand that Quenching is a fairly basic concept and is a precise science both at the same time. The temperatures of heating, cooling rates, quenching techniques, and quenching furnace are all important factors in determining the end metal properties. Experienced experts must formulate these to ensure maximum effectiveness and quality of the final product.