High Pressure Gas Quench Technologies: Distortion Control & Mechanical Properties Improvement 2008-01-0433

This study reviews high pressure gas quenching using the “StepGQ^® and StopGQ^® Quenching Processes” for improvement of part quality, cost and mechanical properties. Gas quenching represents an environmentally friendly alternative to the more commonly used oil quenching. ECM has developed innovative “Step & Stop Quenching Processes” for quality and performance improvement on finished parts in the automotive industry. This study will focus first on the “Step Quenching Process”. The goal of this process is to significantly reduce the level of distortion. The second focus will be on the “Stop Quenching Process” which is designed to increase mechanical properties. Some industrial applications will be shown with detailed data. Explanations will be given on why these improvements could be beneficial for manufacturing process cost savings. These processes could be directly applied to existing processes for global cost reduction and quality improvement or for future products which need increased performance and higher levels of quality.