Vacuum Oil Quenching of Large Aerospace Components: Advancements in Uniform Heat Treatment

The heat treatment of large, high-performance components—such as aircraft landing gear—presents ongoing challenges in achieving uniform hardness, minimizing distortion, and preserving mechanical integrity. While traditional atmospheric systems can handle large parts, they require continuous atmosphere control, which adds complexity, raises safety concerns, and can compromise surface quality.

Vacuum oil quenching offers a reliable and cleaner alternative. By combining the inert environment of vacuum processing with the efficient cooling power of oil, it enables precise temperature management, oxidation-free surfaces, and consistent results across large pieces. Modern vacuum furnaces are highly flexible, capable of supporting a variety of heat treatment processes. These include through hardening and case hardening via low pressure carburizing (LPC), along with the option of integrated gas cooling to further reduce distortion.

This presentation will examine the fundamentals and practical applications of vacuum oil quenching for large-scale components. Real-world examples will illustrate how advanced systems are meeting the stringent demands of aerospace manufacturing while overcoming long-standing metallurgical challenges.