Induction hardening: an efficient heat treatment method

In the last few decades or so, there has been widespread technological growth in almost every sector. Despite industry innovations and unique new gadgets, they’ve changed the way we look at things across industries and verticals, whether it’s information technology, healthcare, or really heavy metal. This growth trend has also brought a valuable new heating technology called induction hardening that is now popular all over the world. This new technology is used to harden metal components, and although it is not a difficult process, there are things that must be taken into account to carry out the process successfully.

Of course, there are a host of other treatment methods used to heat metal, for example annealing, tempering, homogenizing, carbon nitriding, all are processes that can be used to harden wrought iron, steel, alloys, die steels, etc. But, induction hardening is probably the most effective method. In this type of heat treatment, the chemistry of the metal component becomes a decisive factor in hardening or tempering the metal. Before starting the process it is important to take note of the optimal temperature that must be delivered to it; also, if the metal is prone to cooling too quickly. Mainly, this process is used to harden steel and steel alloys. The process consists of heating the metal to high temperatures and consequently tempering it with a solvent, so that the core of the metal remains soft and gives it flexibility, while the surface becomes hard. The goal is to significantly improve the durability of the metal and make it suitable for use in the production of springs, gears and shafts for heavy industry.

Mainly, there are two ways to carry out the induction hardening process, the transverse hardening process and the single shot hardening process. In the cross-hardening process, the metal object to be heat treated is passed through an induction coil several times in series, while a quench spray is used simultaneously to coat the metal surface with a liquid solvent. This hardening process is used throughout industries to make a variety of metal shaft-type objects, such as steering components, power tool shafts, and drive shafts. Additionally, this process is critical in the manufacture of metal objects that have a sharp edge, such as lower blades of lawnmowers, hacksaw blades, paper knives, and leather knives. Cooling rings are used in this process as an integral part of the system.

The single shot hardening process also uses an induction coil. But in this process, the metal object is inserted into the coil and kept still or rotated for a predetermined time. In industry, this process is used to harden small tools, the edges of complex shaped tools, and the flat faces of tools such as hammers. For the standard induction hardening procedure, a high-frequency power supply and a work coil that generates an alternating magnetic field are required to successfully perform heat treatment on a workpiece that conducts electricity. The process can be complex and if you are looking for a company that provides these services, make sure you only hire a company that has a valid license and uses the right type of equipment for the purpose.