Induction Hardening
What is induction hardening?
Induction hardening is a fast method where the surface of the material is brought to high temperatures and then cooled immediately. In this process, the entire surface of the part or only the desired area can be hardened to the requested depth. Since there is no carbon or nitrogen enrichment on the surface of the material in this process, the hardness value obtained after the process is directly related to the carbon concentration of the material.
The working principle of the process is to pass an electric current through the copper coil manufactured in accordance with the material, and the formation of eddy current and heating with the magnetic field created by this current on the material. The depth of hardness is controlled by the strength and duration of the applied current. The martensitic transformation is achieved by rapidly cooling the surface of the material that reaches the austenitizing temperature with a special chemical, and the material hardens as a result of this transformation. The material can then be tempered to bring it to the required hardness and, or to reduce stresses on the material.
Induction Process at Önerler
In our company, there are a total of 6 induction hardening machines for induction hardening, medium and high frequency. All of our machines are of German origin and we have machines of various sizes and powers.
Our high frequency machines can process up to diameter 80 length 1000 mm.
In our medium frequency machines, we have the ability to harden spindles up to diameter 500 mm and length 3500 mm and gear up to 3500mm diameter and 5000 kg.
Thanks to the computer control in our induction machines, all parameters such as energy, process time, cooling speed are automatically controlled, ensuring repeatability and traceability of the products.
Benefits of The Processes
High repeatability,
High hardness,
High wear resistance,
High fatigue strength,
It is a very fast process,
It can be applied to a specific desired area on the part,
A possible hardness depth of 0.5-10 mm, depending on the material and parameters.
Steels Applicable to the Process
Induction hardening can be applied to a wide range of products, from steels to cast irons. Since martensitic transformation cannot occur in steels with low carbon concentration, it is not applicable. It is a method used for surface hardening of low carbon steels that have only undergone the carburizing process and whose surface is enriched with carbon at the end of the process.
Problems That May Occur After The Procedure
As the induction process consists of sudden heating and cooling, there is a risk of distortion. Since high-carbon, high-alloy steels have high hardenability, there is a risk of cracking and therefore process parameters must be carefully calculated. In the materials to be used in the induction process, sharp corners, holes etc. during the design phase. geometric properties should be noted. Otherwise, melting and cracking may be seen in these specified areas. Casting cavities that may occur on the surface of the steels and cast iron materials produced by the casting method may cause melting and cracks during the induction hardening process.