Application of Vegetable-Based Quench oil to Achieve Safety and Environmental Advantages

An induction hardening operation heat treating engine valves previously used a typical medium speed quenching oil for the quenchant.  A change-over to vegetable-based oil was accomplished, with the goal of reducing fire hazards; reducing smoke and fumes; and providing a cleaner working environment.  All the desired goals were achieved, with additional advantages of no changes in microstructure, and improved part distortion.  This paper compares the physical properties of the two oils, and documents improvements in part distortion as well as working environment.