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alloy composition determines the hardness gradient which can be achieved through the part.
3. Tempering.
Tempering lowers hardness and strength, which improves ductility and toughness or impact resistance.
The tempering temperature must be carefully selected based upon the specified hardness range, the
quenched hardness of the part, and the material. The optimum tempering temperature is the highest
temperature possible while maintaining the specified hardness range. Hardness after tempering varies
inversely with the tempering temperature used. Parts are normally air cooled from the tempering
temperature.
CAUTION: Some steels can become brittle and unsuitable for service if tempered in the temperature
range of 800-1200_F (425-650_C). This phenomenon is called temper brittleness and is generally
considered to be caused by segregation of alloying elements or precipitation of compounds at ferrite
and prior austenite grain boundaries.
If the part under consideration must be tempered in this range, investigate the specific materials
susceptibility to temper brittleness and proceed accordingly. Molybdenum content of 0.25-0.50 percent
has been shown to eliminate temper brittleness in most steels. Temper brittleness should not be
confused with the tempering embrittlement phenomenon from tempering in a lower range (500-600_F)
often referred to as 500_F or A-Embrittlement.
4. Designer Specification.
The designer should specify the following on the drawing.
Grade of steel
Quench and temper to a hardness range. The hardness range should be a 4 HRC or 40 HB point
range. The designer should not specify a tempering temperature range on the drawing. It is best
to specify a hardness range and allow the heat treater to select the tempering temperature to
obtain the specified hardness. Specifying both tempering temperatures and hardness ranges on
a drawing causesan impractical situation for the heat treater. Tempering below 900_F(482_C)
should be approved by the purchaser.
Any testing required.
For example, hardness tests, or any non-destructive tests such as magnetic particle inspection
or dye penetrant inspection, including the frequency of testing.
5. Specified Hardness.
The specified hardness of through hardened gearing is generally measured on the gear tooth end face
and rim section. Historically, this has been interpreted to mean that the specified hardness must be
met at this location. Designers often interpret this to mean that minimum hardness is to be obtained at
the roots of teeth for gear rating purposes. Since depth of hardening depends upon grade of steel
(hardenability), controlling section size and heat treat practice, achieving specified hardness on these
surfaces may not necessarily insure hardness at the roots of teeth. If gear root hardness is critical to a
specific design criteria, the gear tooth root hardness should be specified. However, care should be
taken to avoid needlessly increasing material costs by changing to a higher hardenability steel where
service life has been successful.
6. Maximum Controlling Section Size.
The maximum controlling section size is based upon the hardenability of alloy steel for through
hardened gear blanks.
7. Additional Information.
For more information, consult the following:
The ASM Handbook, Volume 4, Heat Treating, 8th or 9th edition.
Military specification MIL-H-6875 and Mil-STD-1684.
Stress Relief.
Stress relief is a thermal cycle used to relieve residual stresses created by prior heat treatments, machining,
cold working, welding, or other fabricating techniques. The ideal temperature range for full stress relieving is
1100-1275_F (593-691_C). Lower temperatures are sometimes used when 1100_F (593_C) temperatures
would reduce hardness below the specified minimum. Lower temperatures with longer holding times are
sometimes used.
NOTE: Stress relief below1100_F(593_C) reduces the effectiveness. Stress relief below 900_F(482_C) is not
recommended.
Heavy Draft, Cold Drawn, Stress Relieved Steel Bars.
Heavy draft, cold drawn, stress relieved bars may be used as an alternative to quench and tempered steel.
However, fatigue properties of this steel may not be equivalent to quench and tempered steel with the same
tensile properties.
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