Hærdningscyklus

Hærdningscyklus, often translated as hardening cycle or tempering cycle, refers to a heat treatment process used on metals, particularly steel, to improve their strength and toughness. This process typically involves heating the metal to a specific temperature, holding it there for a set period, and then cooling it rapidly. The initial heating, often referred to as austenitizing, transforms the metal's microstructure. The rapid cooling, known as quenching, locks this structure in a hard, brittle state called martensite.

Following the quench, the metal undergoes a tempering process. Tempering involves reheating the hardened metal to a temperature below its critical point and then cooling it. This reheating step reduces the internal stresses introduced during quenching and allows for controlled precipitation of carbides, which increases the metal's ductility and toughness while retaining a significant portion of its hardness. The specific temperatures and times used in both the quenching and tempering stages are critical and depend on the type of metal, its intended application, and the desired final properties. Multiple tempering steps may be employed in some applications to achieve a precise balance of hardness and toughness. This cycle is fundamental in manufacturing tools, automotive parts, and structural components where durability and resistance to wear are paramount.