The technology that is used to convert ferrous materials into tougher and stronger material by applying heat is known as Austempering technology. It is much preferred over conventional heat treatment techniques because of the results that it offers. During conventional heat treatment method, the metal is heated to red-hot condition and then immediately quenched into oil or water, which is kept at the room temperature. This processes produced a crystalline structure known as Martensite, which is hard and brittle. The metal parts are tempered in a separate furnace to reduce its brittleness.
Austempering technology follows the similar process; however, the difference is that rather than quenching the parts in oil or water, the metallic parts are quenched in molten salt at 232 degree Celsius to 399-degree celcius. The structure that you receive is quite different from Martensite. In case of Austempered Ductile Iron the structure you get is Ausferrite and in steel, it is Bainite. During the conventional heat treatment, the process does not create uniform structure because the outer side transforms, whereas the inside remains red hot. Due to this uneven transformation, the produced Martensite has distortions and micro cracks that reduce the strength of the part.
Austempered technology is greatly effective, as the Austempering reaction takes time and produces a uniform and undisturbed microstructure. When you need to have Austempered ductile iron, you must select a company that has thorough understanding of the process and spends quality time on the research and development to offer you the best results. Although most of the heat treaters claim to offer Austempering; however, not all of them are trustworthy. Make sure that the company that you select should specialize in offering Austempering technology rather than offering it as a secondary service.
Their proprietary computer models should make accurate material as well as process selection so that you can get the final product with the best mechanical properties. This will help your design engineers work more efficient and form optimal designs, material, and process combination. The Austempering process is extensively used in making gun parts and other high performance parts.
Applied Process is a reliable company that mainly offers Austempering technology to producing steel for large-scale commercial use. They have been offering satisfactory services since 1978.
They have the best of the technology and facilities and serve a number of industries including construction equipment, heavy truck, agricultural equipment, mining and forestry equipment, agricultural equipment, railroad, sporting goods, conveyor equipment, etc.