Quenching Process Parameters for Mesh Belt Furnaces

2025-07-30 

Quenching Process Parameters for Mesh-Belt Furnaces

1. Reference Quenching Temperatures for Common Steels

Material Heating Temp. (°C) Quenchant Hardness (HRC) Key Notes
15/20 Steel (Carburized) 770~790 Water/Fast Oil ≥59 Requires prior carburization (0.7–1.0% surface C)
35 Steel 830~850 Water/Polymer 40~45 Avoid overheating to prevent grain growth
45 Steel 820~840 Water-Oil/PAG 50~55 Use interrupted quenching for complex parts
T8/T10 Tool Steel 780~800 Fast Oil 62~65 Preheating (600°C) reduces distortion
40Cr 850~870 Oil 52~58 Suitable for medium-section parts

2. Key Factors Affecting Temperature Selection

  • Material Composition:

    • Carbon content: Low-C steels (e.g., 20 steel) require carburization; high-C steels (e.g., T10) can be directly quenched.

    • Alloying elements: Cr/Mo improve hardenability, allowing slower cooling (e.g., oil for 40Cr).

  • Part Dimensions:

    • Large sections may need +10–20°C or extended soaking time.

  • Furnace Uniformity: Calibrate thermocouples regularly (±5°C variation).


3. Quenchant Selection Guide

Quenchant Applicable Materials Advantages Risks
Water Low-C steel, simple 45 steel Fast cooling, low cost Cracking risk
Fast Oil Alloy/tool steels Uniform cooling Fire hazard
PAG (5–10%) Medium-C steel, complex parts Adjustable cooling Concentration control
Salt Bath High-alloy steels Low thermal stress Complex setup

4. Critical Process Controls

  1. Preheating:

    • 500–600°C for high-C or intricate parts to minimize thermal shock.

  2. Soaking Time:

    • Mesh-belt speed: 0.5–2 m/min; soak time = 1.5–2 min/mm (effective thickness).

  3. Post-Quenching:

    • Immediate tempering (e.g., 45 steel: 200–300°C for 2 hrs to reduce brittleness).


5. Safety & Equipment Maintenance

  • Safety Protocols:

    • Water quenching: Prevent steam explosions; oil tanks <80°C with fire suppression.

  • Furnace Upkeep:

    • Monthly inspection of muffle carburization and mesh belt carbon buildup.


6. Special Cases

  • Thin-Wall Parts (<3mm): Reduce temp by 10–15°C; use air/mist cooling.

  • Retained Austenite: Cryogenic treatment (−70°C) for high-alloy steels (e.g., GCr15).

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