subject: Induction Hardening [print this page] Induction Hardening is the process of hardening steel by heating it. It is done by an alternating magnetic field to a temperature above or within a specific transformation range. It is straight away followed by quenching. This procedure of hardening can be specifically applied to both full as well as surface hardening methods. This is the kind of heat treatment process in which the metal part is heated and later it is quenched. The metal which is quenched further undergoes a martensitic transformation in order to enhance the hardness and brittleness of the specific part.
Principal Techniques:
This hardening process can be performed mainly by two procedures:
Traverse Hardening
Single-shot Hardening
In the traverse hardening systems, the work piece to be worked on is repeatedly passed through the induction coil and a quenching spray is being used. It is majorly used in the production of some shaft type components including steering components, drive shafts and power tool shafts etc. The quench ring that is being used can also be an integral component. This method is also applicable in the production of edge components such as: hacksaw blades, leather knives, paper knives and lawnmower bottom blades.
In the single-shot hardening method the component which is to be treated is held statically or is rotated inside the coil in which the complete area is being heated for a particular time which is pre-set. This method is generally used for edge hardening of complex shaped tools, flat face hardening of hammers and for the production of small gears.
Requirements for Induction Hardening:
As far as this heating procedure is concerned, three things which are majorly required for this process to occur are as follows:
1.A high frequency electrical power source
2.A work coil to generate the alternating magnetic field
3.An electrically conductive work piece which is to be heated
Before this heat treatment process is performed, it is necessary to make a note of the chemistry of the metal, the adjustment of the temperature of the metal and last but not the least the characteristics of the metal.
Tips for Successful Induction Hardening of Steels:
The selection of steel plays a vital role in this heat treatment process. Steel parts are mainly hardened to get hold of some specific properties such as wear resistance, tensile and fatigue strength. Moreover, it can either be done on a specific part of the work piece or throughout the entire part. The procedure involves heating the work piece to a temperature which is higher than the austenitizing temperature and then the steel is allowed to cool at a rate which is fast enough to transform it to fully martensitic structure.
These hardening service providers must have a license which states that these are authorized to perform the different types of heating treatments and the company or the service provider must use the right equipments and procedures for hardening.
