Determining concentration by weight and volume
In this column, I will discuss the different types of concentration percentages and how to convert them to each other. This is really a...
Foaming in polymer quenchants and metal working fluids
In this column, I will discuss the causes of foaming in polymer quenchants and metalworking fluids. We will also discuss the different types of...
Nitrogen-methanol atmospheres – storage and control
In this column, I will discuss the storage and control of methanol to create nitrogen methanol atmospheres.
Introduction
Nitrogen-methanol atmospheres are used frequently when natural gas...
Use of nitrogen-methanol endothermic atmospheres
In this column, I will discuss the use of nitrogen-methanol endothermic atmospheres for the heat treatment of steel.
Introduction
When heat treating steels in a typical...
Using polymer quenchants in an integral quench furnace
There have recently been several inquiries regarding the use of a polymer quenchant in a sealed or integral quench furnace. There are several drivers...
Sinter hardening of PM components
In this column, I will discuss sinter hardening and compare that process to the more traditional heat-treating quench and temper operation.
Introduction
The use of powder...
Determining concentration and required amounts
In this column, I will discuss how to calculate the required amounts of quenchant in a quench tank. This method is also applicable to...
NMTP – Pearlite and ferrite
In this column, we will discuss the non-martensitic transformation products of pearlite and bainite.
Introduction
Pearlite was named by Henry Howe for the pearly phase constituent...
Non-martensitic transformation products: Bainite
In this column, I will discuss the non-martensitic transformation product called bainite.
Introduction
The decomposition of austenite, when occurring at a fast enough rate to exceed...
Residual stresses from machining
In this column, we will discuss the sources of distortion and residual stresses from machining operations. The problem of residual stresses and distortion is...
Pack carburizing of steels
Pack carburizing is a very old method of carburizing steel, but it is still practiced in many tool rooms and machine shops. It is...
Nitriding of steels
In this column, we will discuss the nitriding of steels.
Nitriding introduces nitrogen into the surface of a steel at a lower temperature than carburizing....
Stress relief is a key step in parts manufacturing
In this column, we will discuss the process of stress relief and compare it to the effects of annealing.
During the manufacturing process, residual...
Comparison of carburizing methods
In this column, we will discuss the different methods of carburizing, with a focus on resultant metallurgy.
Introduction
Carburizing is the addition of carbon to the...
Application of cryogenics to improve steel properties
In this column, we will discuss the application of cryogenically treating gears and the outcomes expected.
Introduction
There has been much discussion regarding the application of...
Measuring retained austenite
In this column, we will discuss the different methods of measuring the amount of retained austenite in a heat-treated steel sample.
Retained Austenite
Previously we...
Viscosity and the viscosity index
In this column, we will discuss the viscosity and viscosity index.
Viscosity and the viscosity index are terms that are applied not only to...
A guide to creating a cleaning and washer control plan
In this column, I will discuss the control plan for a generic washer used for cleaning heat-treated parts.
Proper cleaning involves not only removing the...
Control plan for oil-based quenchants
In this column, I will propose a simple control plan for oil-based quenchants and corrective actions.
Oil quenchants have been used extensively to harden steel...
Selecting a cleaner for prewashing prior to heat treatment
In this column, we will discuss the selection of a cleaner for prewashing prior to carburizing. The choice is critical to avoid forming a...
