is quench and tempered the same as heat treated
Time at heat and temperature are critical in the hardening transformation phase. Rapid cooling and tempering complete the process. Quench and Temper provides strength and uniformity of hardness through the entire part from the surface to the core. This is achieved by heating the entire part up above the transformation temperature for a set period of time. Upon quenching, parts must be tempered to the desired hardness creating a Tempered Martensitic Microstructure. Medium Carbon Steels (.25-.70C) are commonly Quench and Tempered. During this quenching process, parts are cooled rapidly thereby locking in the microstructure transformation. Oil is a very common quench medium for this process.