Case hardeningsteel

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It is hard to specify a perfect steel grade for induction hardening. The suitable steel grade for any induction hardening project depends on the required application. Therefore, choosing the best steel grade for induction hardening involves considering many factors.

What is hardenedsteelused for

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Types of hardenedsteel

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As the name suggests, bearing steel is a type of steel alloy commonly used to manufacture bearings and other high-wear components. This type of steel typically contains high levels of carbon, chromium, and other alloying elements to improve its strength, durability, and wear resistance.

Not all steel grades are suitable for induction hardening. Several steel grades are not eligible for induction hardening. The reasons could be poor hardenability, high risk of cracking or distortion, and poor response to induction heating.

Hardenedsteelmechanical properties

The boron improves steel’s hardenability, which is steel’s ability to be hardened through heat treatment. Therefore, adding boron to low-alloy steel allows it to be hardened more deeply than it would otherwise.

What is hardening process in heat treatment

Low-alloy boron steel contains a small amount (0.001 to 0.003%) of boron as an alloying element. The boron content might seem small, but it is enough to alter the properties of steel.

Induction hardening is a popular method for hardening bearing steel. It provides a high level of control over the hardness and depth of the hardened layer. The resulting hardened layer of bearing steel could be several millimeters thick and significantly increase the wear resistance and fatigue strength.

There are other methods if any steel grade is unsuitable for induction hardening. You can choose depending on the specific characteristics of the steel and the desired results.

Low-alloy boron steel is an excellent choice for induction hardening. The added boron increases the hardenability and allows it to be hardened to a greater depth than other types of steel. As a result, it can be used in applications where high wear resistance is required, such as gears, axles, and other high-stress components.

However, the steel series are unsuitable for induction hardening because it has a threshold of carbon content (0.35%) to harden. The following are the standard steel alloy series that can be hardened through induction hardening.

Hardenedsteelmaterial list

The composition of alloying elements distinguishes the grades and steel hardenability. Different steel grades can be hardened using induction heating, including 1045, 1050, 4140, 4150, and 5150. However, the excellent steel grade for any induction hardening project depends on the intended use and property requirements.

Steel alloys are commonly divided into different series based on their composition and properties. The grading system used to classify steel alloys typically involves a four-digit number, with the first digit representing the primary alloying element in the steel. Here is a brief overview of some standard steel alloy series and their corresponding first digit:

However, not all steel grades are suitable for induction hardening. In this article, we will discuss some popular steel grades that are commonly used in induction hardening projects. Let’s get to it!

Steel hardening is essential for various applications to achieve the desired physical and mechanical properties. Several methods for steel hardening are popular in the manufacturing industry, and induction hardening is one of them. In order to meet the properties of steel workpieces, different steel grades are often selected for induction hardening in industry.

Hardenedsteelproperties

Some examples of steel grades used as bearing steel in induction hardening include AISI 52100, AISI 440C, AISI 4140, AISI 4340, AISI 52100H, AISI 416 stainless steel, and AISI M50 high-speed steel.

Generally, the carbon content on the steel decides whether the grade is suitable for induction hardening or not. For example, steel grades with less than 0.3% carbon can not be processed with induction hardening.