Oil-tempered steel wire is a type of high-carbon steel wire that undergoes a specific heat treatment process known as oil tempering. This process involves heating the steel wire to a high temperature and then quenching it in oil. The oil quenching is a critical step that helps to achieve the desired mechanical properties in the steel.

The purpose of oil tempering is to improve the hardness, strength, and durability of the steel wire. The heat treatment process involves heating the steel to a temperature above its critical point, which allows the formation of a hard microstructure, typically martensite. After this, the steel is rapidly quenched in oil, which helps to cool it quickly and retain the hardened structure.

The resulting oil-tempered steel wire has enhanced mechanical properties, such as high tensile strength and good fatigue resistance. This makes it suitable for various applications where strong and durable materials are required. Common uses for oil-tempered steel wire include springs (such as those used in automotive suspensions and industrial machinery), ropes, cables, and other applications where high-strength and flexibility are essential.

The specific properties of oil-tempered steel can be tailored by adjusting the parameters of the heat treatment process, such as the temperature and duration of heating, as well as the type of oil used for quenching.