Quench polish quench

Quench polish quench (QPQ) is a specialized type of nitrocarburizing case hardening that increases corrosion resistance. It is sometimes known by the brand name of Tufftride, Tenifer or Melonite.^[1] Three steps are involved: nitrocarburize ("quench"), polish, and post-oxidize ("quench").^[2]

This process is often used when two or more of the following properties are required in a workpiece:

Common applications of the process are for piston rods of shock absorbers, cylinders and rods for hydraulic systems, pumps, axles, spindles, firearm slides and barrels and valves.^[3]

Process

The process starts with a standard salt bath nitrocarburizing cycle, which produces a layer of ε iron nitride.^[4] Next, the workpiece is mechanically polished; typical polishing processes include vibratory finishing, lapping, and centerless grinding. Finally, the workpiece is re-immersed into the salt quench bath for 20 to 30 minutes, rinsed, and oil dipped. This last step optimizes the corrosion resistance by creating a layer of iron oxide about 3 to 4 micrometers thick.^[5] It also gives the workpiece a black finish.^[3]^[6]

Corrosion resistance

Field immersion

The chart on the right shows a comparison of corrosion resistance against other surface treatments, based on field immersion tests. Test conditions for the immersion test are full immersion in 3% sodium chloride plus 3 g /L of hydrogen peroxide for 24 hours.^{[citation needed]}

Salt spray test

The chart on the right shows a comparison of the corrosion resistance of surface treated steel automotive steering columns based on the ASTM B117 salt spray test.^{[citation needed]}

References

^ "Melonite/QPQ". HEF Group (USA). 14 June 2012. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
^ Davis, Joseph R., ed. (2002). Surface Hardening of Steels: Understanding the Basics. ASM International. pp. 203–204. ISBN 9781615032501. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
^ ^a ^b Easterday, James R. (1996). "The Kolene QPQ(SM) Process". Detroit, Michigan: Kolene Corporation. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
^ Liapina, T.; Leineweber, A.; Mittemeijer, E. J. (June 2003). "Nitrogen redistribution in ε/γ′-iron nitride compound layers upon annealing". Scripta Materialia. 48 (12). Elsevier: 1643–1648. doi:10.1016/s1359-6462(03)00136-2.(subscription required)
^ "Use Salt Bath Nitriding for Uniform & Consistent Layers". Kennebunk, Maine: Northeast Coating. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
^ "QPQ Liquid Nitriding". Edmonton, Alberta: Thermex Metal Treating Ltd. 2010. Retrieved 16 February 2014.

External links

[1] "Melonite/QPQ". HEF Group (USA). 14 June 2012. Retrieved 16 February 2014.

[2] Davis, Joseph R., ed. (2002). Surface Hardening of Steels: Understanding the Basics. ASM International. pp. 203–204. ISBN 9781615032501. Retrieved 16 February 2014.

[easterday-3] Easterday, James R. (1996). "The Kolene QPQ(SM) Process". Detroit, Michigan: Kolene Corporation. Retrieved 14 February 2014.

[4] Liapina, T.; Leineweber, A.; Mittemeijer, E. J. (June 2003). "Nitrogen redistribution in ε/γ′-iron nitride compound layers upon annealing". Scripta Materialia. 48 (12). Elsevier: 1643–1648. doi:10.1016/s1359-6462(03)00136-2.(subscription required)

[5] "Use Salt Bath Nitriding for Uniform & Consistent Layers". Kennebunk, Maine: Northeast Coating. Retrieved 16 February 2014.

[6] "QPQ Liquid Nitriding". Edmonton, Alberta: Thermex Metal Treating Ltd. 2010. Retrieved 16 February 2014.

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