Case Hardening and How It Can Benefit Metals
29 July 2022One of the most utilised materials in the world right now is metal. Metals generally boast a wide array of useful mechanical properties that enticed industries to use them in creating many products.
Some mechanical properties that most metals boast include high melting points, high thermal and electrical conductivity, high density, excellent malleability, and respectable ductility. Thanks to these properties, the construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, automotive, energy, mining, and aerospace industries can produce components and products that can be functional and long-lasting.
One area of metal components and products, however, that should be enhanced further is their outermost surface. This specific part of metal components and products often undergoes direct impact. Without carrying out any finishing process, the underneath metal may gradually become damaged.
The Process of Case Hardening
To protect metal components and products from attaining abrasions and other damages, industries can rely on the case hardening process.
Case hardening is the process of increasing the hardness of a metal surface by adding new elements to its exterior part. Once a metal workpiece undergoes case hardening, it will attain a very thin metal layer that is harder and more durable than the metal underneath the said layer. Case hardening is often carried out as the final process of newly fabricated metals, especially those that possess a low carbon content since it reduces formability and machinability.
Case Hardening Major Benefits
Metals that undergo case hardening can effectively attain a substantial increase in strength and durability. Since their core metal materials are already enclosed by thick cases, they can effectively be utilised in applications that are often exposed to impact. Case hardening can also ensure that the metal parts and components will not wear easier compared to those without any of this process. Even the impact resistance of metals is expected to increase due to case hardening.
As for manufacturers, they can also take advantage of the case hardening process itself since it is more efficient than other finishing processes. Compared to others, case hardening does not require a lot of energy and time, helping them save tons of resources. Case hardening is likewise dependable as it can provide metals with their needed resistance to elements that other processes cannot provide.
Applications of Case Hardening
Different types of metals can undergo case hardening. These metals include low carbon steel, high carbon steel, cast iron, high strength low alloy steel, tool steel, and stainless steel. Case hardening is often maximised in products such as gears, fasteners, rods, pins, and camshafts. Valves, bearings, engine blades, pistons, and gearboxes can also undergo case hardening.
For more information about case hardening, you can contact us at Alpha Detroit Heat Treatment.
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