CPM 20CV Heat Treat Question

[Phil705]

The data sheet calls for warm oil or pressurized gas quench. Would plate quench work instead?

Phil705
Winthrop,WA

 

[kuraki]

Z-Wears data sheet says the same thing and I plate quench it.

I think the data sheets are for more typical industry use where plate quenching really isn't a thing because of the size and shape and thickness of typical punches and dies.

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

I found drastically different HT response depending on quench rate with this alloy. It is sensitive to quench speed.

Plate quench works very well, assuming you have reasonably good plate contact. Otherwise I'd consider interrupted oil. Regular air quench is too slow for optimum results.

This is a good example of a steel where the average knife maker quenching in aluminum plates can get better results than a commercial heat treater using a 1 or 2 bar vacuum oven.

You might want access to a hardness tester. I got higher hardness with plate quench and cryo than the data sheet. Without a hardness tester you might not know where you're at.

 

[Phil705]

Thanks, I'll give plate quenching a try on this steel soon.

 

[Eldon Talley]

My first experience with heat treating it was a result of 65 on the hardness, much higher than I expected. I used plates and cryo with dry ice and alcohol.

 

[shqxk]

Use the middle range of the austenitizing temp and you high likely to get the highest hardness.