The resulting steel alloy is strong, hard, wear-resistant and less ductile than in its normal state. The main applications are:

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Flame hardening is a process that hardens the outer layer of a steel alloy. It involves heating the surface to high temperatures under a flame.

As the title of the process suggests, this hardening technique is used to strengthen by creating a tough outer case on the surface of the steel, while keeping a normal level of hardness and ductility in the interior. This is achieved by adding extra carbon or nitrogen to the outer layer of the steel (or iron).

This article will concentrate on the industrial hardening of steel, which is carried out using one of three main techniques. If you have further questions please do contact us at Challenge Engineering, CNC Machining Sydney.

Several industrial processes can be used to case harden steel, the main one being flame or induction hardening. This involves heating the surface to an extremely high temperature, then cooling it rapidly which creates an outer case of martensite, providing the needed carbon and hardness.

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The downside of case hardening is that it can make the surface more brittle, so it isn’t suitable for objects that will slide against abrasive surfaces.

Case hardening increases the lifespan of the steel and improves resistance to fatigue. For these reasons, it is often used to strengthen:

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The process is sometimes referred to as case carburisation. The steel is usually a soft, low-carbon one that needs strengthening.

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We’ll look at each individually, what they involve, and some of the applications of the hardened steel that is produced in each case.

This technique requires a specialist furnace-like machine to reach the high temperatures and is carried out in an industrial setting.

Heat treatment refers to the process of heating or cooling materials such as steel or glass, in order to alter their properties in some way. The result of heat treating is usually a hardening or softening of the material.

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When it reaches its critical temperature, the alloy is quenched in water or a synthetic substance to quickly harden the surface to a depth between 1 and 10mm.

Another closely related method of hardening is known as induction hardening, which involves heating and strengthening the steel by running an alternating current through the structure, rather than applying a flame.

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The steel used must have a carbon content of more than 0.35% for the process to work. The resulting metal has high strength and wear resistance, but maintains ductility in its core.

The most common steel alloys used for through hardening are 4140 and 4340 high tensile alloys as they yield an optimal amount of strength and hardness.

At ISO:9001 certified Challenge Engineering, we can advise you on the best type of heat treatment for your custom parts. Call (02) 9632 0010 or visit www.challengecnc.com.au, complete our Request for Quote form or Contact Form.

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Case hardening is also sometimes referred to as face hardening, especially when applied to metals that are to be used for military-grade armour.

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Through hardening increases the hardness and strength of steel alloys throughout the metal structure, not just the exterior as with case hardening.