Upon rapid cooling of the austenite, it does not decompose into ferrite and cementite phases, but forms, martensite, which produces high hardness

To induce internal tensions from linear expansion, which provide high hardness

Rapid cooling is required to stabilize austenite at low temperatures to maintain it at room temperature throughout

To increase the hardness and strength of the steel

Increase steel toughness and hardness simultaneously

To increase tensile strength by reducing hardness

Increase steel toughness at the expense of hardness and strength to ensure optimum workpiece properties

To form ferrite at high temperatures, which transforms to martensite through rapid cooling

Heat the steel up to 850 degrees for inducing internal stresses from linear expansion during rapid cooling

To form austenitic one phase structure, which transforms to martensite during rapid cooling

The formation of austenite in the steel structure to ensure full austenitic structure at room temperature