Modern Methods of Heat Treatment in Tool Making

Success in the service and durability of most small tools depends to a very large extent on the heat treatment methods adopted in the production. But these methods differ very widely from job to job and one has to be only guided by the instructions usually issued by the steel makers. Although there are specialised firms for doing this job on a commercial basis it is nevertheless essential for the toolmaker to know something about this subject and be familiar with the terms used in heat treatment methods. All heating and cooling operations whatever their purpose may be can be considered as heat treatment methods rather than hardening and tempering treatments. It is therefore intended in this article to give a very brief survey of the usual methods adopted in the treatment room so that one can easily follow makers' instructions for any particular job issued thereon.