The hazard of heat treatment primarily lies in the potential for uncontrolled temperature fluctuations and the lack of a controlled protective atmosphere. Fluctuating temperatures can lead to unwanted outcomes such as grain growth, resulting in metal that is too soft or weak for its intended purpose. On the other hand, temperatures falling below the desired range can make the finished product more fragile and prone to cracking.
The lack of a controlled protective atmosphere can lead to chemical reactions on the surface of the metal during heat treatment. These reactions can compromise the quality and performance of the part, leading to rejected parts and financial loss. If the issues with the part go undetected, it can also have potentially dangerous repercussions for those using the part. Additionally, an improperly controlled atmosphere can result in a damaged furnace or, even worse, injuries to employees.
To minimize these reactions and ensure a successful heat treatment process, the heat treater often takes measures to eliminate the source of reactive elements, such as air, from the heat treating environment. This can be done by replacing the air with a non-reactive atmosphere like nitrogen, argon, or other gas mixtures, known as controlled atmosphere heat treating. Another alternative is to heat treat in a bath of non-reactive molten salt. However, even in these controlled environments, there may still be some residual impurities, leading to a small amount of discoloration in the heat-treated metal.
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