Over the past few decades or so, there has been a pervasive technological growth in almost every sector. Notwithstanding the industry new innovations and unique new devices have changed the way we look at things across all industries and verticals, be it information technology, health, or for that matter heavy metal. This growth trend has also brought a new and valuable 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 have to be kept in mind to conduct the process successfully.

Of course, there are host of other treatment methods used to heat metal, for example annealing, tempering, homogenizing, carbo-nitriding, are all processes that can be used to harden wrought iron, steel, alloys, die steels, etc. But, induction hardening probably is the most effective method. In this type of heat treatment the chemistry of the metal component becomes a deciding factor in hardening or quenching the metal. Before beginning the process it is important to take note of the optimum temperature that needs to be delivered to it; also, if the metal is prone to cooling down too fast. Mostly, this process is used to harden steel and steel alloys. The process involves heating the metal by inducting high temperatures to it and consequently quenching it with a solvent, so that the core of the metal remains soft giving it flexibility, while the surface becomes hard. The aim is to significantly improve the durability of the metal and to make them suitable to be used in the production of springs, gears, and shafts for the heavy industries.

Principally, there are two ways of conducting the induction hardening process, the traverse hardening process and the single-shot hardening process. In the traverse hardening process the metal object that has to be heat-treated is passed through an induction coil several times in a series, while a quenching spray is simultaneously used to layer the surface of the metal with a solvent liquid. This process of hardening is used across industries to manufacture a variety of shaft type metal objects like steering components, power tool shafts, and drive shafts. Also, this process is instrumental in manufacturing metal objects that have a sharp edge, like lawnmower bottom blades, hacksaw blades, paper knives, and leather knives. Quench rings are used in this process as an integral part of the system.

Single-shot hardening process also uses an induction coil. But in this process, the metal object is inserted in to the coil and either held still or rotated for prefixed time duration. In the industry this process is used to harden small tools, the edges of complex shaped tools, and the flat-faces of tools like hammers. For the standard induction hardening procedure a high frequency power source and a work coil that generates alternating magnetic field are required to be able to successfully conduct heat treatment on a work object that conducts electricity. The process can be intricate and if youre looking for a company that provides these services be sure to only employ a company that has a valid license and uses the right kind of equipments for the purpose.