Ideally, heat treatment work affects the microcrystalline structure of a steel part. In the furnace, then cooled gradually or quenched suddenly, the physical properties of the steel alters. The processed component becomes harder. It also gains a more corrosion-resistant structure. What the high-tensile alloy should never experience is any amount […]
The next two heat treatment processes are similar. They both use a nitrogen-rich substance to harden soft metal workpieces. But, as the post title implies, the nitrogen arrives in two different states. In one, the nitriding process is applied as a liquid. In the next, the nitrogen coats the workpiece […]
Atmospheric control is a powerful tool in a heat treatment engineer’s metal hardening armoury. For example, by adding gaseous nitrogen to a furnace, the gas nitride hardening effect is initiated. This process sees the gas come into contact with a heated low carbon workpiece. As the surface metal and nitrogen […]
Carbon isn’t a metal. Actually, it’s a sooty black substance, and it’s not that strong. However, appearances can be deceiving, as every engineer knows only too well. Crushed by incredible pressures, carbon crystals become diamonds, which are the strongest naturally occurring substance known to man. In light of this most […]
Flame hardening technology uses a heat treatment methodology that’s reminiscent of old blacksmithing procedures. Instead of electrically powered induction coils, an oxy-fuel gas flame takes care of the workpiece hardening work. Capable of applying a focused heat source, this is a process that’s used to target reduced geometrical outlines. It’s […]