Austempering
Quenching a ferrous alloy from a temperature above the transformation range, in a medium having a rate of heat abstraction high enough to prevent the formation of high-temperature transformation products, and then holding the alloy, until transformation is complete. The advantages of this method of interrupted quenching are increased ductility and toughness.
- Austempering at lower temperatures (240°C to 270°C) produces a part with maximum strength.
- Austempering at higher temperatures (360°C to 380°C) yields high ductility and toughness.
See also: Ausforming, Austenite, Isothermal Annealing, Martempering.
Subjects: Materials