New CFRC Info and Performance in Oil Quenching

ABSTRACT: For decades, successful manufacturers of precision parts used heat treating fixtures made out of various alloy materials. Over time, these alloys would become distorted and embrittled from long exposure to increased temperatures; this often resulted in damage of the components. More recently, heat treating engineers are making the switch to graphite fixturing using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Carbon (CFRC) composite materials. This paper covers the pros and cons of using CFRC and the intricate fixturing designs possible. It goes on to explain that although CFRC has offered many advantages over alloy fixturing, liquid / oil infiltration and potential delaminating of the CFRC structure was a common problem which prevented manufacturers from entering this market. Recent advances in CFRC manufacturing methods have allowed for materials that are well suited for liquid / oil quenching. Furthermore, the material is resistant to oxidation up to 930°F in air, impervious to oil and maintains its shape through multiple cycles. This paper discusses these new materials and recorded performance results in liquid / oil quenching environments, as well as the basic composition of the materials.