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GCSE Design and Technology · key term
Rapidly cooling heated metal, for example in water or oil.
Used by Edexcel and Eduqas
Specification 2.4.2, 2.6.1 · Paper 1
Revise: Reinforcement and StiffeningThe steel is heated to its hardening temperature and then cooled rapidly in water or oil. This rapid cooling is called quenching. Heating and quenching change the steel’s internal structure, producing a much harder material.
Rapidly cooling heated metal, used in suitable heat treatments to increase hardness.
Do not assume all steels can be hardened simply by heating and quenching: mild steel contains too little carbon for this treatment.
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Component 1
Rapid cooling of heated metal, commonly in water or oil.
Revise: Metal Classification, Ferrous Properties and Heat TreatmentHardening involves heating suitable steel and then cooling it rapidly by quenching in a suitable liquid, such as water or oil. Hardness increases, helping a cutting edge resist wear, but the steel also becomes more brittle. Medium- and high-carbon steels can be hardened this way; mild steel does not respond in the same way because its carbon content is too low.
