Induction hardening is a contactless heating process using the principles of electromagnetic induction to generate heat within a workpiece’s surface layers. In a much shorter heating time than other methods, hardening optimizes mechanical properties, such as strength and stiffness, making it the preferred method for manufacturers with significant throughput needs. Hardening typically takes just seconds!
Induction Hardening of Metals
Hardening steel is most effective through heat-treating processes for parts used in production. You’ll have a cost-effective method for processing shafts or other parts using induction hardening. Typically, induction hardening is applied to metal parts to achieve excellent surface wear resistance while maintaining their mechanical properties. It is a process that results in very high surface hardness of the metal materials, making it perfect for manufacturing components exposed to heavy loads. After an induction hardening process is achieved, a metal part must be quenched with water, oil, or air to obtain specific properties for the surface layer. Surface hardening increases the resistance to wear and may be used to improve the strength of heavily stressed components.
Single Shot Hardening
Single shot hardening is the most common induction-hardening method, in which the part and coil stay in one place throughout the heat-up process. Slack quenching (leaving the heat remaining in the part after the hardening process) is used routinely with larger single shots and horizontal scanners.
Auto-hardening may be used for static heating, single-shot heat treating, and, to a lesser extent, in horizontal scanners or continuous/progressive hardening applications.
Selective Induction Case Hardening
Selective Induction Case Hardening has the potential to enhance part performance by providing a combination of mechanical properties, giving hardness where required on wear surfaces while providing malleability at the core for impact strength.
Induction Hardening of Low-Ally Medium Carbon Steel
Induction Hardening of Low-Alloy Medium Carbon Steels is used extensively in critical automotive and machine applications that need a high level of wear resistance. The hardening depth is defined by carbonization depth, receptivity, and quenching. Any hardening process aims to give surface resistance to mechanical stress and give a part sufficient elasticity so it can withstand outside forces without damage.
Selective Induction Hardening
Selective Induction Hardening is an accelerated heating process that targets precise areas of a steel or iron alloy, making it possible to reach high-grade hardness levels in these places without affecting other regions. It’s an attractive alternative for many industries where localized hardening might be advantageous–such as the aerospace industry.
Because induction hardening is not a batch process (typically, a single piece is hardened at a time), the hardening machines may be located within production cells, allowing for continuous process flow.
As with any process, hardening is also a function of time and temperature, and induction hardening typically uses shorter times and higher temperatures to achieve results equivalent to furnace tempered. Our engineers can offer a complimentary evaluation of your application and will consult you regarding your particular manufacturing requirements.
