low distortion surface hardening treatment
induction hardening
what is induction hardening?
Induction hardening, also known as induction hardening, is a heat treatment process that involves rapid and precise heating of the steel component, followed by rapid cooling (quenching). High-frequency electric fields heat the surface of the component via induction coils, which is then usually quenched with a liquid medium. This creates a locally hardened layer on the surface.
Differently shaped induction coils are available and can be produced according to customer requirements.
induction hardening process
Induction hardening uses a coil-shaped copper conductor to generate an electromagnetic field. An electrical voltage is generated in the material itself, which in turn generates heat. This quickly heats the material to the required hardening temperature. This can be regulated by the current strength on the coil-shaped conductor and by the duration of the current supply.
benefits of induction hardening
The advantages of induction hardening range from fast and precise heating to high reproducibility and the ability to adjust the penetration depth.
Further advantages of induction hardening therefore include the possibility of partially hardening components in an uncomplicated manner and the ability to achieve very high hardening depths.
Furthermore, the throughput times for induction hardening are comparatively short. Induction hardening has not only shortened production cycles, but also minimized distortions, which contributes to more sustainable and higher quality production. It requires special know-how and the use of complex tools and equipment.
- Fast and precise heating: Induction hardening enables lightning-fast heating of the workpiece surface. The precise control of this process results in uniform heat treatment, which leads to improved surface hardness.
- Local application: By focusing the induced current, induction hardening can be applied to specific areas of a workpiece. This is particularly advantageous for meeting local hardening requirements.
- High reproducibility: The induction hardening process offers remarkably high reproducibility of results, resulting in consistent quality of treated workpieces.
- Low dimensional changes: Compared to other hardening processes, induction hardening causes fewer dimensional changes to the workpieces, reducing the need for subsequent machining steps.
- Environmentally friendly process: Induction hardening requires less energy compared to other hardening processes, resulting in improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact
- Versatile applications: The induction hardening process is widely used in various industries.
suitable materials for induction hardening
Induction hardening is used to harden surface layers. The component surface is heated by induction and the existing microstructure is transformed. A surface layer carbon content of at least 0.35% should be present for target-oriented inductive hardening.
induction hardening in various industries
Induction hardening is used in almost all industries. However, there are major advantages here, particularly in heavy mechanical engineering. Induction hardening is also particularly popular for integration into mechanical processing lines, even in companies without specialist heat treatment knowledge.
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frequently asked questions – induction hardening
What is inductive hardening?
In contrast to convection heating in closed systems, induction hardening heats the areas of the workpiece through which eddy currents flow. This process only takes a few seconds. Only the component surface is heated, the remaining area of the component remains unaffected and does not experience any thermal influence. The quenching is only targeted at the heated area.
What is the hardening depth in induction hardening?
The depth of hardness is defined in exactly the same way as with other heat treatment processes. In addition to the surface hardness, there is a defined hardness at a certain distance from the surface.
What are some differences between flame hardening and induction hardening?
Induction hardening is comparable to flame hardening in terms of process technology, except that the inductor (induction coil) replaces the burner.
What are the applications of induction hardening?
Induction hardening is used in particular when only a partial area of a component is to be treated and the remaining area is not to be heated. Or when different hardening depths need to be set on a component.
The process is widely used in various industries, including automotive engineering, tool manufacturing, mechanical engineering and many others, where improved surface properties of workpieces are required.
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