HARDENING/TEMPERING DATA

For Oil Hardening (Dimensionally Stable) Precision Ground Flat Stock and Die Stock:

HARDENING: OIL HARDENING

It is recommended that stock be heated uniformly to 1450 - 1500 F degrees and quenched in oil. Temperature of the quenching oil should be 120^o to 140^o F for best results. Do not quench in water as this is an oil hardening steel.

Size                    Temperature            Quench            Rockwell C
All Sizes                1450-1500^oF                Oil                        64-66 

TEMPERING:

For maximum toughness, a tempering time of one hour at temperature is recommended. 
The following table may be used a a guide depending on type of work.

Cutting Tools                            300^o - 350^o F (Light Straw)
Solid Punches & Dies               400^o- 450^o F (Straw)
Spring Temper                           750^o - 800^o F (Blue)
Annealing                                  1450^{o (}Furnace cool 40^o per hour to 900^o F)

For Air Hardening (Dimensionally Stable) Precision Ground Flat Stock and Die Stock:

HARDENING AIR HARDENING

Air Hardening Precision Ground Die Stock has a wide hardening range of 1700^o to 1800^oF with 1750^oF recommended for most work. For the heavier sections use the high side of the range. Heat uniformly throughout but do not soak longer than necessary. Cool in still air. No pre-heat is required if pack or atmosphere controlled furnace methods are used, but with open furnace method a pre-heat of 1450^oF is recommended.

Sizes                Temperature            Cool                Rockwell C
All sizes             1700^o - 1800^oF        Still Air                63.5 - 65

TEMPERING

A tempering time of two hours at temperature is recommended. For maximum toughness, double temper for two hours at each temperature recommended. The following table may be used as a guide, depending on type of work:

Light Blanking Punches & Dies                400^o - 425^oF
Heavy Blanking Punches & Dies             700^oF
Annealing                                                     1525^o - 1575^oF
(Furnace cool at not more than 50^o per hour to 800^oF for maximum softness)

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Last modified: November 29, 2001