To provide a method that can quench an object to be quenched readily and reliably without causing strain and deformation by rapidly cooling the object to be quenched by a simple configuration so that a temperature of the object to be quenched exceeds a martensitic transformation temperature while maintaining temperature homogeneity in the object to be quenched, and to provide an apparatus for the same.
A quenching apparatus includes: a mist spraying means 1 for spraying a mist-like coolant C to a component W heated to a predetermined temperature; a chamber 2 for accommodating the component W and the mist spraying means 1; and a decompressing means 3 for decompressing the inside of the chamber 2 before a temperature of the component W exceeds a martensitic transformation temperature. The boiling point of the coolant C is lowered by lowering the pressure of the atmosphere surrounding the component W and the mist-like coolant C before the temperature of the component W exceeds the martensitic transformation temperature to maintain a vapor film generated between the component W and droplets of the coolant C and to homogenize the temperature of the component W.
INAGAKI KOJI
MITSUHAYASHI MASAHIKO
Miyazaki Yoshio
Kaoru Onozuka
Akio Tagami
High Masahiro
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