Black Oxide Failure and Common Problems in Application
A black oxide finish imbues a worked ferrous component with an attractive ebony coating. The process transforms a thin layer of surface metal into iron oxide, so no deposits are called for here, just a chemical reaction that enhances corrosion resistance. As advantageous as this supplementary feature undoubtedly is, black oxide failure does occur, so […]
Stress Relieving is Insurance for Engineering Projects
Large-scale engineering projects use machined metal components to support structural loads. They accomplish this task by accessing the strength of a selected alloy. Unfortunately, strength isn’t the only attribute contained within the metal. The worked part also contains undesirable properties, those incurred by numerous machine stations. Residual stress is the issue. Worryingly, if left unchecked, […]
The Heat Treatment of Hot Die Material for Tools Used in Forging Processes
Hot die materials are burdened with a formidable task, which is an elaborate way of saying high temperatures and higher pressures are at work. The forging process applies compressive force and heat to the tools used in forging processes, so deformation stress is a major issue. Fortunately, heat treatment techniques extend the lifespan of the […]
What is Carbonitriding?

As we discuss carbonitriding, expect to be carried through a heat treatment process that relies heavily on the control of local atmospheric variables. In particular, as the label implies, carbon and nitrogen atoms are injected into the controlled environment. Undoubtedly, this is an essential technique, one that surface hardens base steel, but how does it […]
Advantages of Flame Hardening of Gears and Wheel Sprockets
Gears and wheel sprockets are low profile components, but that understated physical form belies an innate knack for handling near unendurable loads. Geometrically detailed, these essential mechanical parts are machined from the finest materials. Manufactured, machined, and balanced, the parts are then heat treated so that they can tolerate high loading factors. Flame hardening is […]
Hot and Cold Precision Straightening: What Are The Differences?

High tolerances rule hot and cold precision straightening work. The factory floor is filled with high-tonnage presses and industrial grinding stations, the larger-than-life tools that enable expert material engineers to meet any deadline.
Top 3 Discolouration of Metal Parts Often Encountered with Vacuum Furnaces
When troubleshooting heat treatment imperfections in vacuum ovens, the undesirable results that stymy production engineers don’t always fall into convenient pigeonholes. Fortunately, the discolouration of metal parts that have undergone this property-manipulating process is a readily identifiable issue.
Differences between Low and High Carbon Steel in Flame Hardening
Flame hardening operations extend the operating life of alloy-rich components by adding rigid strength to the microcrystalline backbone of the heat-treated part.
What is Metal Quenching and Its Advantages?
Heat treatment techniques use a two-step processing methodology. Logically, it begins with the workpiece entering a fiery environment, perhaps a gas-fired furnace. Here, the metal component is subjected to enough thermal energy to modify the metal’s base properties.
Copper, Stainless, Bronze, Brass, or Aluminium: Why Annealing Matters?
Work hardened metals are difficult to form. The machining and shaping work has impacted the material in such a way as to cause the metal’s grain to compact and shrink.