Oil quenching is a viable alternative to high pressure gas quenching in many instances, especially for gears and other components whose cross-sectional thickness, geometry or hardenability, i.e., DI or Jominy values (Ed. 's note: DI- ideal diameter-value; from the French phrase "diametre ideal"; Jominy refers to a hardenability test for steel to determine the depth of hardening obtainable by a specified heat treatment) indicate they are marginal candidates for gas quenching. Many components use oil quenching to achieve consistent and repeatable mechanical and metallurgical properties, as well as predictable distortion patterns. The reason oil quenching is so popular is due to its stability over a broad range of operating conditions. Oil quenching facilitates the hardening of steel by controlling heat transfer during quenching and it enhances wetting of steel during quenching to minimize the formation of undesirable thermal and transformational gradients which may lead to increased distortion and cracking. For many, the choice of oil is the result of an evaluation of a number of factors, including: Economics/cost (initial investment, maintenance, upkeep, life); Performance (cooling rate/quench severity); Minimization of distortion (quench system); Variability (controllable cooling rates); Environmental concerns (recycling, waste disposal, etc.).
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