A simple Method for evaluating Deterrent Systems

In general, the hardening of workpieces is among the last steps in the production chain. Mistakes in this step due to wrong quenching parameters can cause the loss of the workpiece or require a rework after treatment. This will bring additional costs to the producer. To avoid such costs it is very important to know the exact status of the quenching facility concerning quenching intensity, flow conditions and time development of these variables. For the appraisal of the quenching media a number of laboratory tests exists [for example 1-7]. A practical assessment of the whole quenching system is difficult because measurement of cooling curves under production conditions is very complex. Mostly of the required hard- and software to measure cooling curves or furnacequenching-system is not available. Furthermore it is very difficult to place a probe with thermocouples inside the system during production. Therefore a system of standard probes was developed which allows to get information about quenching capability in the system by simple hardness measurements.