The Pros and Cons of Using Flame Hardening in Processing Rolls and Shafts

17 December 2021

Manufacturers can maximise different processes so they can heat treat rolls and shafts. Some of these processes are flame hardening, furnace hardening, or carburising. Out of the three options, a lot of them would go for flame hardening due to its accompanying benefits.

But before knowing the benefits of flame hardening, you should know first how flame hardening works. Flame hardening is a heat treatment process that is often done on parts and products made from alloy steels, mild steels, medium carbon steels, and cast iron. This process maximises oxyfuel gas flames in heating the surface of the parts and products, all without affecting the qualities of their core. Once they have reached their austenisation temperature, they will then be subjected to quenching so that their surface becomes more resistant to wear and corrosion.

Now, processing rolls and shafts can be effective if flame hardening is utilised. To better understand the process, here are some of its benefits and limitations.

Pros of Flame Hardening

The benefits of flame hardening have truly enticed manufacturers to use it in heat-treating rolls and shafts. One known benefit of flame hardening is that it can improve the wear resistance of these components. Flame hardening can likewise process rolls and shafts without generating too much distortion. Additionally, flame hardening can yield rolls and shafts that have higher hardness.

And since flame hardening is pretty much straightforward, it can easily cater to various types of rolls and shafts. It can even cut the overall processing time, allowing manufacturers to generate a lot of heat-treated roll and shafts in just a short time. The less processing duration that the flame hardening requires makes it possible for manufacturers to save a lot of time, energy, and money.

Cons of Flame Hardening

Just like other heat treatment processes, flame hardening also boasts some limitations that you must know. One of the drawbacks of flame hardening is that it can be hazardous at times. The heating temperature of the process can be difficult to control due to the nature of the oxyfuel gas flames. Without practising any caution, the risk of overheating the parts and other fire hazards may be present.

Another drawback of flame hardening is that it can be difficult to adjust the case depth. The occurrence of oxidation or decarburisation may also happen during the flame hardening process. Without conducting the process properly and meticulously, it can quickly damage the rolls and shafts.

While flame hardening can make the surface of the rolls and shafts strong, the process can sometimes make them vulnerable to cracking and flaking.

Despite the limitations or cons of the process, it can still yield rolls and shafts that are helpful for various industries, especially those that have large dimensions. To know more about flame hardening rolls and shafts, you can call us at Alpha Detroit Heat Treatment.

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