How to Heat Treat Carbon (0-1) Damascus

Coating: ATP-641, Turco, or similar high temperature anti-scale/decarburization coatings can be used in replace of foil to reduce scale or surface decarburization.

Preheating: Heat oven to 1300°F and place material in oven.

Austenitizing (High Heat): Heat slowly (400°F a/hr) from the preheat to 1475-1500°F (802-816C)

Soak for 30 minutes for the first inch (25.4 mm) of thickness, plus 15 minutes for each additional inch (25.4 mm).

Quenching: Oil quench to a temperature no lower than 150-125°F (66-51°C).

***Note: O-1 is somewhat prone to quench cracking, especially if there are significant changes in section thickness and sharp internal corners. The oil quenching should be performed so that the heat removal is as uniform as possible in all areas of the part being quenched. Be sure to remove the part from the oil before the temperature drops to ambient temperature.

Suggested quench oil: Parks AAA, McMaster 11-second, Houghton G–expected as quenched hardness may be lower if a slower quench oil or non-industrial quench medium is used. Parks 50 is not recommended. Heat oil at a temperature of 300 to 400°F (149-204°C) is recommended.

Tempering: Temper immediately after quenching. Do not allow the part to cool below 125°F (51°C). The typical tempering range is 350 – 400°F (177 -204°C).

Hold at temperature for 1 hour per inch (25.4 mm) of thickness, 2 hours minimum, then air cool to ambient temperature.

To minimize internal stresses in cross sections greater than 3 inches (76.2 mm) and to improve stability in parts that will be EDM’d after heat treatment, a soaking time of 4 to 6 hours at the tempering temperature is strongly recommended.