Which is better water quenching or oil quenching?

Water-quenched steels will generally be harder than oil-quenched steels. This is mainly because the thermal conductivity of water is higher than the thermal conductivity of most oils (that I know); consequently, the rates of cooling will be less rapid (or lower) in oils compared with water.

Why is water quenching good?

In materials science, quenching is the rapid cooling of a workpiece in water, oil or air to obtain certain material properties. A type of heat treating, quenching prevents undesired low-temperature processes, such as phase transformations, from occurring.

Is water good for quenching steel?

Water is an effective and simple option, but it also has some significant drawbacks. It cools metal very quickly and helps it reach its maximum level of hardness. However, it can also lead to cracking or distortion of the steel, compromising its utility and potentially rendering it useless.

What is the best method of quenching media?

Oil is the most popular quenchant because it is relatively severe but with a diminished risk of cracking and warping. In addition, a wide range of parts quenches well in oils because the chemical makeup and temperature of a quenching oil can be adjusted to suit desired end results.

Why is water not used for quenching?

A saturated solution of air (or other gas) in water will come out of solution during quenching and create a very long vapor phase. This is one reason why is it is recommended to never agitate a quench tank using compressed air.

STEEL HEAT TREATING CLOSEUP - WATER VS OIL [Trollsky Knifemaking]

Why is water quenched steel harder?

Depending on the carbon content and alloying elements of the steel, it can get left with a harder, more brittle microstructure, such as martensite or bainite, when it undergoes the quench hardening process. These microstructures result in increased strength and hardness for the steel.

Why do blacksmiths quench in water?

Quenching is an important step in metalworking processes, because it allows you to control any changes to the microstructure of a workpiece. If a heat-treated metal undergoes a slow cooling process, it is susceptible to undesired structural changes that are thermodynamically favored at lower temperatures.

What steels can be water quenched?

Water quench hardening is typically used for low alloy steel grades that require a very rapid quench rate to achieve desired hardness. All water quench hardening processes are run out of batch-type furnaces for optimum process and lot control.

What are three types of quenching?

Which quenching medium is better for steel?

Salt Baths:

A salt bath is the ideal quenching medium for a steel of not too large section with good hardenability. Table 6.12 gives some composition of salts and the useful temperature range for each mixture.

Can you harden steel with water?

Water is an effective medium when the goal is to have the steel to reach maximum hardness. However, using water can lead to metal cracking or becoming distorted. If extreme hardness isn't necessary, mineral oil, whale oil, or cottonseed oil may be used in the quenching process instead.

What liquid do blacksmiths use to quench?

Blacksmiths generally use water, oil, or compressed air to quench. These substances vary in environmental impact, cost, and effects on the metal, but the best quenching medium is usually water or quenching oil.

Why do blacksmiths quench in oil?

Oil is frequently used for quenching because it transfers heat very quickly and without causing significant distortions. While water-based caustic quenchants are even faster, but the severity at which they do it can distort or even crack some materials.

Why are swords quenched in oil?

The oil in the quench tank causes the steel to cool rapidly and evenly. If the steel does not cool evenly for some reason, then the blade can warp or even fracture.

Can you quench a blade in motor oil?

Motor oils are a common type of quenching oil used in both blacksmithing and bladesmithing applications. New and used motor oils can be used for quenching and are both widely available. New motor oil is typically cheaper to use than commercial quenching oils.

Why is water the most used quenching medium?

Water-quenched steels will generally be harder than oil-quenched steels. This is mainly because the thermal conductivity of water is higher than the thermal conductivity of most oils (that I know); consequently, the rates of cooling will be less rapid (or lower) in oils compared with water.

What is the fastest quenching medium?

Brine solution gives a faster rate of cooling while air cooling has the slowest rate of cooling.

What steel is best for hardening?

What is the best way to harden steel?

Steels are heated to their appropriate hardening temperature {usually between 800-900°C), held at temperature, then "quenched" (rapidly cooled), often in oil or water. This is followed by tempering (a soak at a lower temperature) which develops the final mechanical properties and relieves stresses.

Why are blades quenched in oil not water?

Oil has a slower rate of cooling compared to either water or brine, but faster than air, making it an intermediate quench.

Does putting hot metal in water make it stronger?

What does putting hot metal in water do? Blacksmiths put metal in water because water submersion will allow the forger to control the brittleness and overall strength of the metal. This is referred to as “quenching,” and is used by many blacksmiths to decrease the risk of breakage when crafting new pieces.

Why does a blade warp when quenched?

When these heated parts are quenched, their internal crystal structure changes again, and that volume change is not necessarily sufficient to offset the change upon heating. This change of volume can cause dimensional distortion.

Should I quench after tempering?

The martensite microstructure formed after quenching is characterized by a very high hardness, but is much too brittle for most applications! In order to give the quenched steel the toughness required for use, the microstructure must be treated again afterwards. This is done by subsequent tempering.