Austempering

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Austempering is a hardening process that is used on metals to promote better mechanical properties.

These properties include:

Higher ductility
Resistance to shock
Uniform Hardness

[edit] The Process

The metal is heated into the austenite region and then immediately quenched in a "salt bath" or heat extraction medium that is between temperatures of 570 - 710 degrees Fahrenheit. The metal is held here until the austenite turns to bainite.

Other heat treatments start the same but quench in a medium that is closer to room temperature causing martensite to form. Martensite is a much more brittle material and since the "salt bath" is heated above this region a new structure results