Description of austempering and its advantages

Author: editorshanejohnston01 | Posted: 25.01.2012

Austempering is a process of applying heat treatment on ferrous metals, like steel and iron. This procedure is basically done for improving mechanical properties of metal. The procedure begins with heating the metal till its austenitic state and then rapidly cooling it; along with maintain a high temperature for prevention of formation of martensite for an enhanced duration. By the use of this process, metals become tougher, strong and resists to wear and tear.

The main aim of austempering is to provide strength driven materials in various machine parts. The concept of austempering is different from traditional form of heat treating, in which there is quick quenching of austenite in oil or fluid at room temperature. It will form martensite, which is hard, but on the same time, it is highly brittle and needs tempering for becoming ductile.

The outcome of austempering is dependent on the material used for the same. Bainite is the name given to austempered steel and it is relatively more ductile than martensite. The final product doesn’t require any tempering and is tough, sturdy and adds wear resistance. On the other hand, austempering ductile iron results in production of ausferrite, which has greater strength. Austempered ductile iron (ADI) is also used in manufacturing of many machine parts.

Process

The initial stage of austempering begins with heating the metal to a temperature range between 732° C (1350° F) – 1394° C (2462° F). This heating of iron causes a phase transition, which changes the crystalline structure of metal and it turns into austenite. There is quenching of austenite inside molten nitrate salt and the material is cooled off in a temperature range of 232° C - 399° C (459° F - 750° F). It is kept in the same condition and temperature for several minutes or hours. The final product results in composition of a ferrous product having desired mechanical properties, like toughness, strength and additive wear. Austempering is beneficial over conventional schemas of oil quenching and tempering method.

Some benefits of austempering are illustrated below:

• Metals become more ductile

• Less chances of distortion

• Increased hardness with uniformity

• Hydrogen embrittlement resistance

• Tough and resistant to wear and tear

• High fatigue strengths and impact

Overall, austempering is a well composed process, which helps to enhance toughness, strength and resistivity for wear and tear. It is better to get the process done through commercial heat treating company as they will work with proper processes.



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