MEEN 30233
Material Science and Engineering for ME
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering 3-1
Experiment No. 4
Heat Treatment of Steel
Group 12
Aquino, Ivan I.
Baguiwong, Mary Grace A.
Cardano, Sedrick Ryan V.
Dasal, Carlo Miguel C.
Paredes, Angelika Belen T.
30 May 2023
Table of Contents
Objective.................................................................................................................................... 1
Safety Measures......................................................................................................................... 1
Basic Concept ........................................................................................................................ 1-2
Heat treatment ......................................................................................................................... 1
Types of heat treatment .................................................................................................... 1-2
Specimen .................................................................................................................................... 2
Equipment ............................................................................................................................. 2-5
Electric furnace heating oven ................................................................................................... 2
Electric furnace heating oven specifications ......................................................................... 3
Rockwell hardness tester ..................................................................................................... 3-4
Rockwell hardness tester specifications ................................................................................ 4
Grinding machine .................................................................................................................... 4
Grinding machine specifications .......................................................................................... 5
Quenching oil .......................................................................................................................... 5
Metal sandpaper ...................................................................................................................... 5
Procedures ............................................................................................................................. 5-6
Definition of Terms .................................................................................................................... 6
References .................................................................................................................................. 7
Objective
To understand and utilize the various heat treatment processes to alter the properties of
steel in a controlled manner, it is essential to have a comprehensive knowledge of the principles
behind heat treatment and its effects on the microstructure and properties of steel.
Safety Measures
1. Wear appropriate PPE, such as heat-resistant gloves, safety goggles, heat-resistant clothing,
and steel-toed shoes, to protect against burns and other potential hazards.
2. Ensure proper ventilation in the heat treatment area to control fumes, gases, and smoke.
Good ventilation helps maintain air quality and reduces the risk of inhaling harmful
substances.
3. Regularly inspect and maintain heat treatment equipment to ensure proper functioning and
safety. Follow manufacturer guidelines, avoid overloading equipment, and adhere to safe
operating limits.
4. Ensure the presence of an experienced professional who is knowledgeable about heat
treatment processes. Having an expert oversee the operation enhances safety by providing
guidance, monitoring, and prompt response to any issues that may arise.
Basic Concept
Heat Treatment
The process of heating metal without allowing it to reach its molten, or melting, state and
then cooling it in a controlled manner to select the desired mechanical properties. Heat treatment
is utilized to either make the metal more sturdy or more flexible, more impervious to abrasion, or
more malleable.
Types of Heat Treatment
1. Hardening: It is used to make the metal's surface harder through rapid heating and cooling.
The material is warmed in a solidifying heater to a temperature that changes its inside
structure without liquefying it. After that, the metal is kept at this temperature for one hour
for every inch of thickness, and then it cools quickly. A crystalline structure that is harder
and more stable is created through the rapid cooling process.
2. Annealing: Used to alter a metal's microstructure to increase its ductility and decrease its
internal stress and overall hardness. The process of annealing involves heating metal to a
temperature at which its crystalline structure becomes fluid but remains solid. The metal is
held at this temperature, which considers any deformities in the material to fix themselves.
After that, the metal is allowed to slowly return to room temperature, resulting in a more
ductile crystalline structure.
3. Quenching: It depends on the quick cooling of the metal to accomplish the ideal physical
or mechanical properties. Depending on the material and desired properties, heated
materials can be quenched with air, water, or brine as well as cooled with oil. The
crystalline structure of the metal is made fluid by heating it below its melting point, as in
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other heat-treating processes. It is held for a particular timeframe, depending upon the ideal
properties, and afterward, quenched in one of the previously mentioned media to diminish
the temperature of the material and lay out the necessary interior construction.
4. Stress Relieving: The process includes heating the material over the place where the
internal construction changes and afterward air cooling it at a specific rate. By reducing
internal stress and increasing the metal's strength and hardness, this process makes the
structure more stable. It is especially useful for metals that have been through stress-
inducing forming procedures like rolling, machining, and straightening.
Specimen
ASTM-approved 50mm diameter 10mm height round flat steel specimen
Equipment
1. Electric furnace heating oven:
Temperature control equipment is
indispensable in the heat treatment of
metals as it offers precise temperature
control, consistency, and reliability.
These machines play a crucial role in
achieving the desired mechanical and
structural properties in metal
components. By providing uniform
heating throughout the material and
maintaining specific temperatures
within tight tolerances, temperature
control equipment ensures consistent and repeatable results. This level of control is
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essential for optimizing the microstructure and properties of the metal, ultimately leading
to improved performance and reliability in various industries.
Electric furnace heating oven specifications
2. Rockwell hardness tester: The Rockwell hardness
tester is a widely used instrument for measuring the
hardness of materials. It employs either a steel ball or a
conical diamond, known as a brale, as the indenter. The
hardness value is determined by measuring the depth of
penetration of the indenter into the material under a
known load. The Rockwell hardness testing method
offers several advantages, including simplicity, speed,
and non-destructive testing. The test procedure involves
applying an initial minor load to the indenter, which
establishes the zero position. Next, a major load is
applied, and once it stabilizes, it is maintained for a
specific duration. The depth of penetration is then
measured, which is the difference between the initial
zero position and the final position of the indenter. The
Rockwell hardness scale consists of different indenters and corresponding scales, such as
the Rockwell A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and K scales, each suitable for different materials and
thicknesses. The steel ball indenter is used for softer materials, while the diamond brale is
used for harder materials. The Rockwell hardness tester is widely used in various
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industries, including manufacturing, engineering, and quality control. It provides a reliable
and repeatable measurement of hardness, which is an essential property for assessing
material strength, wear resistance, and suitability for specific applications. By measuring
the depth of penetration, the Rockwell hardness tester enables quick and convenient
determination of the hardness of a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and
composites.
Rockwell hardness tester technical specifications
3. Grinding machine: A grinding machine
used for polishing metals, commonly
known as a metal polishing machine or a
metal grinder, is a specialized tool
designed to refine metal surfaces and
create a smooth, polished finish. These
machines are equipped with abrasive
grinding wheels or belts that rotate at
high speeds, effectively removing
imperfections, burrs, and roughness
from metal workpieces. The polishing
process involves the application of
pressure and the movement of the
abrasive material against the metal
surface, gradually smoothing it out and revealing a lustrous shine. Metal polishing
machines are commonly used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, jewelry, and
metal fabrication, where high-quality surface finishes are crucial for both aesthetic appeal
and functional performance. These machines are available in various sizes and
configurations, offering different levels of precision, speed, and versatility to accommodate
different workpiece sizes and material types.
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Grinding machine specifications
4. Quenching oil: High-quality oils specifically developed for
the heat treatment of ferrous metals offer exceptional
performance in a wide range of quenching operations. These
oils are formulated with precise combinations of additives
and base oils to deliver superior results. Their primary
objective is to provide deep and uniform hardening of the
metal while minimizing distortion and cracking, ultimately
resulting in a smooth surface finish. These oils possess
excellent heat transfer properties, allowing for rapid cooling
of the heated metal components, which promotes the
formation of desired metallurgical structures. The carefully
selected additives in the oils help to optimize the quenching
process by reducing the likelihood of uneven cooling or the
development of undesirable microstructures. The
combination of deep and uniform hardening, along with
minimized distortion and cracking, ensures the production of
high-quality metal parts with the desired mechanical
properties and surface finish.
5. Metal sandpaper: Paper covered on one side with abrasive material (such as sand) glued
fast and used for smoothing and polishing.
Procedures
1. Set up the machine and materials to be used for the heat treatment.
2. Polish the test piece with the grinding machine or emery cloth or fine metal sandpaper.
3. Perform the hardness reading per procedure in LAB activity (Experiment) # 3 using the
Rockwell Hardness tester and record the hardness reading in three trials.
4. Preheat the furnace and put the test piece into the furnace using a removable steel tray.
5. Set the temperature to 900 degrees centigrade for 30 minutes of heating time.
6. Once the 900 0 C is reached and 30 minutes of heating time elapsed, pull out the heated
steel bar and immediately soak it in quenching oil and allow it to cool.
7. Once the heated metal is cooled, repeat step 3 and record the hardness for each trial.
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8. Take note of the change in hardness reading. (Hardness should be higher prior to heat
treatment reading)
Definition of Terms
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) - An organization that develops voluntary
technical standards.
Hardness - The measure of a material's resistance to indentation, scratching, or deformation. It
indicates the material's ability to withstand applied forces or wear.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Specialized gear worn to protect against hazards or risks.
Rockwell - A common method of measuring hardness using an indenter and known loads to
determine the depth of penetration. It provides a standardized scale for comparing the hardness of
different materials.
Treatment - A systematic process to modify or improve a substance or condition.
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References
120 to 3000 Assorted Grit Sandpaper for Wood Furniture Finishing, Metal Sanding and
Automotive Polishing, Dry or Wet Sanding, 9 x 3.6 Inch, 36-Sheet - - Amazon.com. (n.d.).
https://www.amazon.com/Sandpaper-Furniture-Finishing-Automotive-
Polishing/dp/B01LZ6TG05
Aiceyi Hr-150a Manual Rockwell Metal Hardness Test Machine Price - Buy Metal Hardness
Tester,Manual Rockwell Hardness Tester,Metal Hardness Test Machine Product on
Alibaba.com. (n.d.). https://alibaba.com/product-detail/AICEYI-HR-150A-Manual-
Rockwell-Metal_60606147393.html
Bench Grinder Industrial Electric Grinding Machine Vertical Knife Sharpener | eBay. (n.d.).
eBay. https://www.ebay.ph/itm/254374405227
Heat Treating Furnace | Small Heat Treat Oven. (n.d.). Sheffield Pottery Inc.
https://www.sheffield-pottery.com/Paragon-Kilns-PMT-10-Heat-Treating-Furnace-
p/ppmt10.htm
Quench Oil Quenching Oil ISO 22 Mineral Based. (n.d.). Westway Oils.
https://www.westwayoils.co.uk/products/quench-oil-quenching-oil-iso-22-mineral-based
Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Alloy, Specially Heat Treated, for Pressure-
Containing Parts, Suitable for High-Temperature Service. (n.d.).
https://www.astm.org/a0389_a0389m-13r18.html
