Normalizing

[fateofone]

I'm a little confused on normalizing 5160. I've read that when you bring it past non-magnetic, you then let it cool down to black and do it again. That is probably 3 minutes of cooling. Is that really it, or am I missing something? Like should I wait more of an hour between each one?

 

[kuraki]

No, that's really it.

 

[me2]

A true normalization is more than just nonmagnetic. For 5160 is about 100 degrees hotter than nonmagnetic. However if you're working with just a forge, you kinda take what you can get. However, it really is that simple. Heat high enough to convert to all austenite, then air cool. Repeat. Heating to nonmagnetic isn't typically high enough to form all austenite, so it's not technically normalizing, but thermal cycling. Many people call it that x so just be aware of the goal of the cycle.

 

[stezann]

http://knifedogs.com/showthread.php?22568-Your-Heat-Treating-Tool-Box

If you have the time you could you use the link, there you will find answers to most of your questions about heat treaments

 

[fateofone]

Thanks everyone for the answers! I meant to say beyond non magnetic. I know you hold it there for a little extra time. It just seemed odd that you barely let it cool before heating again. But that helps it take much less time so great!

 

[Willie71]

Thanks everyone for the answers! I meant to say beyond non magnetic. I know you hold it there for a little extra time. It just seemed odd that you barely let it cool before heating again. But that helps it take much less time so great!

Let it cool until the magnet sticks again. That tells you it's changed phases.