induction hardening
Induction hardening is used to improve component properties by partially increasing the hardness of the surface layer and is ideal for highly complex or particularly large components.
While case hardening involves hardening a large number of workpieces simultaneously, induction hardening focuses on individual parts. The entire hardening process—from the inductor, through the energy input and frequency, to the quenching and tempering process — is specifically tailored to the component in question. To achieve this, the areas to be hardened are heated using an inductor, which is a copper coil.
The alternating current flowing through the coil generates an alternating magnetic field that heats the component to its transformation temperature. If the heat can dissipate quickly enough into the rest of the workpiece, which is still cold, no subsequent quenching is necessary. This is an extremely precise processthat is primarily used for components subjected to high loads. The induction process results in excellent surface hardness with a deep hardening depth, which gives the component resistance to extreme stresses.
The soft core and the extremely hard outer layer improve fatigue resistance.
These properties are particularly important for components subjected to torsional stress, as well as for surfaces exposed to impact forces. This process can only be used on materials with a carbon content of more than 0.35 percent.
KEY FIGURES: Induction Hardening
Temperature:
individual
Processing time:
72 hours or more
Hardening depth:
up to 6 mm
Advantages of Induction Hardening
Precise Control
The entire process is tailored to a single workpiece, allowing even components with complex geometries to be hardened.
Hardening of specific areas
Precisely defined areas of the component can be hardened with minimal distortion, while the core structure remains unchanged.
Outstanding component properties
Induction hardening produces components with high fatigue resistance and improved wear resistance in specific areas.
Any component size
Since induction hardening does not require a furnace, even very large components can be processed without any problems.
Induction Hardening Components:
– Bolts, axles, and shafts up to Ø 300 mm x L = 3,000 mm
– Rotary case hardening, feed hardening, and mold inductor
– Hardening of gears by rotation up to Ø 300 mm
– Hardening of gears; individual tooth hardening up to Ø 600 mm
– Hardening of racks, strips, and rails; forced hardening as needed
Induction Hardening Process:
– Shaped inductors, ring inductors, custom inductors, wide variety of inductors available, homemade
– RHT HF 0.8 mm to 2 mm
– RHT MF 1.5 mm to 6.0 mm
– a reproducible process, since the inductor and parameters are specified and stored in the NC program
– Between centers such as the tailstock and chuck, rotary table, magnetic table, and T-slot table
We look forward to hearing from you!
Please use our contact form or contact our sales team directly.
Silvio Stranek
Sales, Technical Consulting / Quotes (Upper Austria, Tyrol, Salzburg, Vorarlberg, Bavaria, South Tyrol)
Email. s.stranek@htr.at
Phone: +43 (0) 664 / 88 92 78 10
Thomas Stadlober
Sales, Technical Consulting / Quotes (Styria, Vienna, Lower Austria, Carinthia, Slovenia)
Email. t.stadlober@htr.at
Phone: +43 (0) 664 / 88 64 15 06
OTHER HARDENING PROCESSES
vacuum hardening
In vacuum hardening, your component is heated in a vacuum and then quenched using nitrogen under positive pressure. High-alloy materials are typically vacuum-hardened.
Protective gas hardening
In gas-protective hardening, the metal component is heated to the hardening temperature in a protective gas atmosphere and then rapidly cooled in an oil bath. Low-alloy materials are typically heat-treated in this manner.
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Your Questions, Answered
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you better understand our services.
What is induction hardening?
Induction hardening is a precise heat treatment process in which specific areas of a workpiece are selectively heated by an induction current and then—if necessary—quenched with water. This results in an extremely hard surface layer with a soft core, which enhances significantly improves fatigue resistance and wear resistance .
What are the advantages of induction hardening?
The process has numerous advantages:
– Precise control:Eachprocess is individually tailored to the component. Even complex geometries can be reliably hardened.
– Localized hardening: Precisely defined areascanbe hardened without affecting the entire component—ideal for functional elements.
– Superior component properties:Theinduction-hardened zones exhibit excellent surface hardness and deep hardening.
– Flexible component sizes:Sinceno furnace is required, even large components such as shafts, racks, or guides can be treated.
How does the induction hardening process work from a technical standpoint?
In induction hardening, a specially shaped inductor (a copper coil) generates an alternating magnetic field that heats the material locally to the hardening temperature. The induced current generates heat precisely at the desired location. Depending on the workpiece, it is then quenched—usually with water—to set the hardened surface layer. With the appropriate geometry, the heat can also dissipate solely into the cooler core of the component.
What technical parameters apply to induction hardening?
– Temperature:adjustable, depending on the workpiece and material
– Turnaround time: 72 hoursor more
– Hardening depth:up to6 mm
Which materials are suitable for induction hardening?
Materials with a carbon content of at least 0.35% are suitable. Commonly used materials include:
– Carbon steels
– Case-hardening steels
– alloy and high-alloy steels
– Tool steels
– stainless steels (to a limited extent)
– Valve steels
– Cast iron (upon request)
How deep does induction hardening penetrate?
Depending on the frequency and energy input, the hardening depth typically ranges between:
– HF (high frequency):0.8mm – 2.0 mm
– MF (medium frequency):1.5mm – 6.0 mm