Stanelco Induction Hardening and Associated Processes
Our lives depend on a vast number of hardened components used in planes, trains and automobiles of many types. Almost every shaft, gear, rocker arm and valve has to be wear resistant. Particularly, if they have extremely hard surfaces where bearings or moving parts are in contact with one another at varying temperatures.
Induction surface hardening is the preferred method. This is because the core of the processing component remains malleable or ductile, whilst the outer surface has a harden value suited to the design engineers’ requirement.
Selecting the most appropriate equipment with correct output power density and frequency is paramount. The Induction heating system can raise the temperature of the outer surface of the processing part within seconds followed by a quench operation. This leaves the core unheated and unaffected.
Stanelco’s engineers have perfected this hardening process, releasing a range of induction heating systems with extremely fast switching speeds. Taking milliseconds to reach the desired power setting. As well as this, the systems operate at output frequencies of up to 600kHz.
Ultra-focused heating enables the completion of precise hardness patterns, leaving the parent material ductile. Gears, sprockets cutting blades all require a hardening process such as this allowing the use of lower grade materials.
Stock harden materials can also be processed in a similar way. This is through heating the harden bar for annealing purposes. This softens surfaces allowing machining operations to complete without the need of expensive cutting tools.
Stanelco’s RFP systems for applications such as these, enable remote work stations or work head assemblies are inbuilt within the hardening or annealing process handling equipment. With an RFP control management system that can offer data acquisition for quality purposes.
Examples of typical applications include brazing and soldering of ferrous or non-ferrous components. As well as, applications such as re-heating for forging, bending and annealing. Metals may be gently heated to cure paints, adhesives and surface coatings or if required metals may be easily be melted.
To find out more about our induction technology, or for help with any other thermal processes please contact our team of engineers.
You can also learn more about our unique induction heating methods and procedures here.
