Hardening is conducted to increase strength and hardness. Typically, the
steel part is heated into the austenitic region and is then rapidly cooled by quenching in a
media such as oil or water. The rapid cooling transforms the austenite into martensite. The
parts are then tempered to restore a necessary level of ductility and toughness. The carbon
potential in the furnace atmosphere is controlled to prevent increase or loss of carbon from
the steel surface.
NATIONAL HEAT TREAT can perform atmosphere hardening in any of our five(5) atmosphere
furnaces.