Heat treatment of steel involves various processes that require specific temperature ranges.
Each process aims to achieve different properties in the steel, such as hardness, durability, and ductility.
Here’s a detailed look at the temperature ranges for five common heat treatment processes.
What is the temperature range for heat treatment of steel? (5 Key Processes Explained)
1. Hardening
Hardening involves heating steels to their appropriate hardening temperature, usually between 800-900°C (1472-1652°F).
This temperature range allows for the transformation of the steel's crystal structure, making it harder and more durable.
After heating, the steel is rapidly cooled, often using oil or water, to achieve the desired hardness.
2. Tempering
Tempering is done after hardening to develop the steel's final mechanical properties and relieve stresses.
Tempering involves heating the quenched steel to a temperature below its transformation range.
The specific temperature range for tempering depends on the desired properties of the steel.
For example, tempering at temperatures between 300-750°F (149-399°C) can result in a softer and tougher structure known as troostite.
Temperatures between 750-1290°F (399-699°C) can form a structure called sorbite, which has less strength but greater ductility.
3. Subcritical Annealing
Subcritical annealing is carried out at temperatures ranging from 538-649°C (1000-1200°F).
This process does not result in a crystal structure change but helps relieve stresses in the steel.
4. Intermediate Annealing
Intermediate annealing is conducted at temperatures ranging from 649-760°C (1200-1400°F).
This temperature range allows for some transformation to austenite and helps in achieving desired properties.
5. Full Annealing
Full annealing involves completely austenitizing the steel at temperatures between 816-927°C (1500-1700°F).
This process helps in achieving maximum softness and ductility in the steel.
Different types of heat treatment furnaces are used for different temperature ranges.
For example, general-purpose furnaces with a temperature range of 700-1050°C (1292-1922°F) are used for hardening, normalizing, and carburizing of carbon and low alloy steels.
High-temperature furnaces with a range of 1000-1400°C (1832-2552°F) are used for heat treatment of high-speed steels and other high-temperature cycles.
Carburizing or carbonitriding furnaces, on the other hand, are sealed quench furnaces.
In summary, the temperature range for heat treatment of steel can vary depending on the specific process being carried out.
It ranges from subcritical annealing temperatures of 538-649°C (1000-1200°F) to hardening temperatures of 800-900°C (1472-1652°F) and tempering temperatures below the transformation range.
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