Vacuum tempering is a heat treatment process that is used after an initial hardening process. Parts are placed in vacuum chamber, reheated and cooled based on specific parameters to achieve the following results:
- Enhance toughness
- Prevent corrosion
- Achieve the desired hardness
- Reduce brittleness
- Avoid discoloration
- Achieve a bright and scale-free finish
Many parts made of various materials can be improved by vacuum tempering, including critical components used in the firearms, automotive and aerospace industries.
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Equipment Used in Vacuum Tempering
Vacuum tempering uses a sealed vacuum furnace chamber to create a no- or low-pressure environment. Air and other gases are removed to create an inert environment to ensure the parts are not contaminated. The vacuum chamber can be heated to a range of temperatures based on the needs of the material being tempered.
Steps in the Vacuum Tempering Process
Depending on the parts and materials being tempered, INCERTEC can alter the heat and time the entire process takes. However, there are some constants, such as the use of the vacuum chamber to keep the parts free of contaminants and in a stable environment. The rest of the process generally follows these steps:
- The parts completely finish the vacuum hardening process
- Parts are racked to avoid distortion and are put into the vacuum chamber
- The atmosphere is removed from the chamber
- The chamber is brought up to the required temperature based on the materials being tempered
- The parts are slowly cooled before being removed from the chamber
Best Metals for Vacuum Tempering
Vacuum tempering has many benefits, including being an eco-friendly, efficient and fast solution for parts that require the benefits of the process. Tempering is also compatible with many different types of metals, including:
- PH steels such as 13-8, 15-5 and 17-4
- Stainless steel
- Tool steels
- Copper
- And more!