There are many applications for induction heating processes, including the process of induction hardening. There are many reasons why induction hardening is so beneficial, not the least of which include more accurate heating patterns, cores that are able to remain intact and stable and faster heating cycles in general. Of course, there’s so much more you need to know about how the process works if you’re planning at all on investing in an induction solution or induction hardening. The basic principles of induction hardening have been used since the 1920s, and since then the technology has greatly evolved.
With this in mind, here’s a quick overview geared toward beginners of some of the most important information about induction hardening in Gastonia, NC.
What happens during the induction hardening process?
Induction hardening is a type of heat treatment in which a metal part gets heated up using the processes of induction and quenching.
Quenching, in the context of heat treating and induction hardening, is the rapid cooling of a metal piece in air, water or oil to produce specific desired qualities in the part. It prevents phase transformations and various other undesirable low-temperature processes from occurring by creating a much smaller timespan in which these types of low-temperature processes are kinetically feasible and ideal.
After the metal goes through the quenching process, it is put through a process called martensitic transformation, which results in a harder, more brittle metal part. At this point, the induction hardening process is complete.
What are some applications in which induction hardening is used?
There are a variety of circumstances in which induction hardening can be a beneficial process. It is most commonly used in the development of steel alloys, because there are many mechanical parts (such as springs, shafts and gears) that are put through various types of surface treatments before delivery to enhance instances of weak behavior.
There can be a bit of variance with regard to the effectiveness of a particular induction hardening treatment, as factors such as modification of surface material properties and the presence of residual stress could have a negative effect on the ultimate results. However, as a general rule, the process is widely considered to be one of the most effective and reliable means of increasing the durability of any component, which is why it is so broadly used in industrial settings.
This is just some basic information about the process of induction hardening in Gastonia, NC—it is crucial to have a general understanding of the facts behind induction heating processes and equipment and the types of applications that most benefit from it if you are to see positive results in your work.
For more information about the various services we offer and to get answers to your questions about specific induction hardening information and processes, we encourage you to reach out to the team of experts at J.F. Heating Treating Inc. today. We look forward to working with you and providing you with high-quality heat treatment services!