Abstract: A die quench press for hardening gears and other generally circular parts is disclosed. The press has a horizontal die which generally comprises a plurality of segments movable radially inwardly and outwardly. The upper die portion of the press rotates into a vertical position for easy insertion of parts to be quenched.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a horizontally closing die quenching apparatus and with a method for die quenching. The apparatus comprises a pair of relatively movable opposed substantially vertical platens each supporting a plurality of die blocks, the die blocks each having an internal cavity and generally opposed outer surfaces for receiving and substantially surrounding a plurality of first selected portions of a work piece when the platens are moved together. The die blocks also include a plurality of relatively small fluid passageways extending through the opposed surfaces thereof the passageways providing fluid communication with the cavities within the die blocks. A plurality of opposed fixtures are provided movable together relative to the platens for holding the work piece at its ends between the die blocks and means are provided for controllably pressuring the fixtures towards one another.