Steel Thermal Hardening services

In order to extend our offer, we have introduced steel thermal hardening services, such as annealing, solution, hardening, normalization or tempering. We invite you to submit inquiries.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with our complete offer, in which you will find a wide selection of spare parts. What’s more, we are the only company in Europe to have a perfectly stocked stationary warehouse with over 80,000 different electromagnetic clutches and brakes like ZF, Stromag, Binder, Ortlinghaus, Heid and many more, thanks to which we are the leader in Just-In-Time deliveries.

What is steel thermal hardening?

Steel thermal hardening, often referred to as simply „thermal hardening” or „heat treatment,” is a heat treatment process used to increase the hardness and strength of steel. This process involves heating the steel to a specific temperature and then rapidly cooling it to achieve the desired mechanical properties. The primary objective of thermal hardening is to modify the microstructure of the steel, which in turn affects its hardness, toughness, and other mechanical characteristics.

The key steps involved in steel thermal hardening are as follows:

Heating

The steel is heated to a precise temperature called the austenitizing temperature. This temperature varies depending on the type of steel and the desired properties but is typically above the critical temperature of the steel.

Soaking

The steel is held at the austenitizing temperature for a specified duration, allowing the material to reach a uniform temperature throughout its entire cross-section. This ensures that the microstructure is fully transformed into austenite, a high-temperature phase of steel.

Quenching

After reaching the austenitizing temperature, the steel is rapidly cooled by quenching it in a coopng medium, such as oil, water, or air. This rapid coopng transforms the austenite into a harder, more brittle phase called martensite, which contributes to increased hardness.

Tempering (optional)

In many cases, the hardened steel is tempered by reheating it to a lower temperature. This tempering process reduces excessive brittleness while maintaining hardness. The tempering temperature and duration are carefully controlled to achieve the desired balance of hardness and toughness.

Where to use thermal hardening?

The exact temperature, soaking time, and cooling medium used during thermal hardening vary depending on the specific steel composition and the intended application. Different types of steel, such as tool steel or spring steel, may undergo thermal hardening to meet their specific requirements.

Steel thermal hardening is widely used in industries like automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and construction to enhance the mechanical properties of steel components, such as gears, cutting tools, springs, and various machine parts. It allows engineers to tailor the material properties of steel to meet the demands of different applications.