In Quenching and Tempering?

The process of quenching or quench hardening involves heating the material and then rapidly cooling it to set the components into place as quickly as possible. ... Tempering is achieved by heating the quenched material to below the critical point for a set period of time, then allowing it to cool in still air.

What does quenching and tempering mean?

Quenching and tempering are processes that strengthen materials like steel and other iron-based alloys. These processes strengthen the alloys through heating the material while simultaneously cooling in water, oil, forced air, or gases such as nitrogen.

Do you temper before or after quenching?

In its hard and brittle state, the quenched blade will shatter like glass if dropped, it must be tempered before it is put to use. Tempering involves heating the blade to a non-critical temperature (350 – 450 F) to slightly soften the steel (I used a kitchen oven).