What Does Induction Hardening Mean?
Induction hardening is a heat-treating process used to increase the hardness or wear resistance of a material. Induction hardening heats a material using a form of induction heating to a specific temperature. Once the temperature is reached, it is rapidly cooled by a quenching media. This rapid cooling forms a material microstructure that is hard and strong.
Induction hardening has several benefits over other hardening methods. It is easier to control because it is an electrical process rather than a combustion process. Another benefit is that it begins heating the surface of the material, rather than the core. This makes induction hardening an excellent option for case hardening. Since precise controls can be used in induction hardening, a uniform case hardened surface can be created. The depth of the hardened material can also be readily controlled.
