Luoyang Judian Metal Hot Processing Equipment Co., LTD is mainly engaged in the manufacture of complete sets of equipment in the metal thermal processing industry and the integration of the entire production line.
This chapter discusses the use of induction heating for heating large blocks of metal, where the goal is to achieve a completely uniform temperature. The high power density of induction heating is limited by the rate of heat transfer from the surface to the core. Case hardening exploits this "shortcoming." The applications of induction heating are important. While the basic principles of various induction heating methods are the same, their applications vary significantly.
Induction hardening
Examples of parts suitable for induction hardening: Only the areas to be hardened are treated (Radyne, Inc.) By using high frequencies to achieve high power density, heat is rapidly concentrated in a localized area. The metallurgical properties of this area are modified without affecting the rest of the material. The result is a thin, surface-hardened layer supported by a less brittle core. This maintains strength in the core while maintaining high wear resistance on the surface, and virtually eliminates deformation during the hardening process. For example, the torsional strength of a case-hardened shaft can be three times that of a through-hardened shaft of the same diameter. Another alternative to induction hardening is carburizing, which involves heating the workpiece in a furnace.
This is a batch process that requires time and skilled operators. Due to metallurgical changes, carburizing often requires the use of specialized steel alloys, which are significantly more expensive than ordinary carbon steel or the cheaper alloys commonly used for induction heating. In essence, through-hardening processes consume significant energy to heat the entire part to a specific temperature—energy consumed in the quenching process—and also make it difficult to control the desired hardened area. In contrast, induction hardening heats only a specific area of the part to a high temperature without affecting the rest of the material, saving energy while still achieving targeted hardening.
Induction hardening process
Most induction hardening equipment is easily automated, and automated or semi-automated units can be integrated into continuous production lines. Due to its short cycle times, induction hardening can be integrated with other parts of a continuous production line. Once an induction hardening process is established, the same process conditions can be precisely replicated for each workpiece, resulting in high-quality products.
