Bluewater uses selective tempering as a reheating treatment technique to temper select parts of metals and metal alloys in order to achieve different degrees of hardness within the same component for a subsequent improvement in robustness and quality. This process is utilized on parts that have already been hardened and is accomplished by reheating specific hardened portions, followed by a slow cooling procedure of those same areas. Our technicians keep a variety of factors in mind when employing selective tempering because most metals pass through a variety of transformations which can affect ductility and hardness of the worked metals.
Selective Tempering Properties
- Greater toughness/ductility from lowered hardness of the materials
- Controlled reheating time and controlled temperature
- Short heating cycle times
Selective Tempering Applications
- Knives that need very hard edges but ductile body
- Shank portions of tools
- Springs
- Axles
- Used to reduce localized hardness of areas that may require post-heat treatment machining