Tempering Guide: Steel Hardness vs Toughness by Temperature

Tempering Guide: Steel Hardness vs Toughness by Temperature

Short answer: Tempering is the final heat-treat step that reheats quench-hardened steel to a moderate temperature, trading a little hardness for much-needed toughness and stability. Higher tempering temperature gives a softer, tougher part; lower keeps it hard and wear-resistant — the balance sets the part’s job.

At a Glance

Tempering Guide: Steel Hardness vs Toughness by Temperature chart
Figure 1 – Tempering Guide: Steel Hardness vs Toughness by Temperature overview.

Setting the Balance

Tempering follows Metal Heat Treatment Guide and pairs with Annealing Vs Normalizing и Stress Relieving Vs Annealing. Refine structure via Metal Grain Size Guide and relate to Nitriding Vs Carburizing.

QA & Supply

Verify hardness and inspect via Metal Ndt Guide; document per Mill Test Certificate Guide. Protect stock via How To Prevent Metal Rust. HXSCO supplies tempered grades to spec.

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Tell HXSCO your requirements and we will respond with a competitive quote and lead time.

Часто задаваемые вопросы

What is tempering?

Reheating quench-hardened steel to trade hardness for toughness.

Why temper at all?

Untempered martensite is too brittle and can crack in service.

Higher temp = softer?

Yes — higher tempering temperature lowers hardness, raises toughness.

What is a spring temper?

Around 400-500°C, balancing strength and spring resilience.

Do you supply tempered steel?

HXSCO supplies steel tempered to your required hardness.

Source Tempered Steel from HXSCO

HXSCO supplies quenched-and-tempered steel at the hardness and toughness your part needs. Send your grade and quantity for a quote.

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