Polymer Quench & Temper
Typical steels treated:
This process is generally applied to the carbon steel range. The hardening process is performed by cooling from the austenitizing temperature rapidly. This cooling process is referred to as quenching. The chemistry of the steel determines the speed of quench and therefore the quenchant chosen. Polymer is the second fastest quench medium but its speed is also very much influenced by many other factors such as dilution and quenchant temperature. Daily refractometer readings keep tight control of the dilution and thus the influenced quench rate.
At Con Mech all aspects of the Polymer Quench process have been closely analysed and addressed to achieve the most consistent quench characteristics. We believe that the most critical part of a steels life history is the vital minutes of the quench process. Not only have we addressed all variables but we can measure and document them.
Polymer Quench Specification
- Rapid transfer from furnace to quench in under 45 secs
- Fast immersion of the component into the quenchant at 1' / sec
- Highly agitated Polymer above and below the load consistent down the full length of the tank. This provides a good consistent heat transfer into the polymer quenchant.
- Large volume of Polymer in which to transfer the calourific heat value into. The resulting rise in Polymer temperature is 4 deg c / tonne of steel quenched from 950 deg c.
- Oscillation of the cradle at all times to ensure the components are always moving relevant to the Polymer and no direct impingment of jetting.
- Polymer temperature maintained between 30 deg c and 80 deg c through thermostatic controlled cooling system.
All the above harden the steel to its absolute maximum potential leading to the required combination of good mechanical properties, good impact values at low temperatures coupled with very stringent hardness specifications.
The final product is dusty light brown in appearance with a medium light scale but this can be removed by Shot Blasting. Shot Blast facilities are available at Con Mech Engineers Ltd.
Health & Safety
Con Mech meet all the current legislation regarding Polymer treatment and under the umbrella of NALCO carry out 6 monthly legionella checks backed up by 3 monthly laboratory analysis. Con Mech also carry out internally their own weekly dip slide checks.
All heat treated products are removed from furnace and transported by charging machine safely to quench and cooling tables in a controlled manner. Full risk assessments have been carried out and are available on request.
