Introduction
Electric spark hardening machine (also abbreviated as ESH machine) technology has been widely recognized in mechanical industry as a leading technology for improving surface toughness, fatigue endurance, and load bearing capability. In addition, it also has a profound influence in strengthening wear resistance and corrosion resistance of various components and systems. ESH machine usage is generally divided into two categories: machining and finishing. In machining, it is mostly used for finishing sharpened or machined surfaces, cold and hot machining, forge or die cutting and milling. In the second scenario, ESH machines are utilized for both paint hardening, heat treating and special decoration hardening. It is highly useful in hardening many different materials, including stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, and bronze.
Basic Function and Features of ESH Machines
Essentially, an ESH machine introduces electrical sparks to surface of a material by means of induction heating, heat conduction and contact. The intensity of the arcs, flutters and sparks that occur during this process varies as per the materials properties and surface hardness. As a result, surface layer rigidity and compressive strength are increased instantly. These machines also help in improving performance and service life of parts, as well as their surface hardenability.
It is generally claimed that ESH machines optimally work with a combination of soft and hard materials. They also enable use of high enough currents and spark gap distances to achieve a higher degree of surface hardening. The electrical sparks generated on the surface of a material effectively increase its hardness and toughness, and impact absorption ability.
As an electro-thermal machine, the high frequency ESH machine also features four tactical advantages:
1. High dielectric strength of medium materials: It is quite effective at hardening dielectric materials due to their high dielectric strength. This highly helps improve the production efficiency and material performance.
2. Low EMF induction phenomenon: The machine generates very low EMF induction phenomena, which greatly helps reduce time lost in production.
3. Fast heating speed and uniform temperature distribution: It generates a homogeneous heating process, with each part of material heated at the same pace. This eliminates deformation concerns that occur when material is heated differently.
4. Microstructural change: The machine can create considerable changes in materials microstructure, and thereby effectively increase materials surface hardness.
Benefits and Applications
There are several advantages that ESH machines guarantee to the user. First, they are a very efficient, cost effective alternative to welding. They are highly efficient and do not create any kind of stress or strain on the material. Second, the machine has a very high heating rate and uniform temperature distribution, which tremendously helps reduce processing time. Third, it offers a degree of precision and control that manual welding processes cannot provide.
ESH machine is typically used in machinery manufacturing and sheet metal processing industries. It is highly advantageous in hardening tools, automotive components, machine tools and parts, springs, screws and bolts, engine alternators, and other components which have undergone mechanical processing. Additionally, it is also an effective method for hardening the surface of stainless steel for decoration purposes.
ESH machine technology is rapidly gaining popularity across the globe, due to its remarkable efficiency, cost effectiveness, convenience and performance. It is constantly being updated, as manufacturers strive to upgrade their existing equipment and technology. This, in turn, will result in increased production of high-quality, durable and reliable components with enhanced performance.
Conclusion
Electric spark hardening machine technology is constantly evolving and provides many advantages over conventional methods such as welding. It is an efficient and cost effective method, with a high degree of precision and control. It is widely used in machinery manufacturing and sheet metal industries, and is increasingly becoming popular in both industrial and consumer applications. The machine is highly useful in hardening tools, automotive components, machine tools and parts, springs, screw and bolts, engine alternators, and other components, as well as in hardening the surface of stainless steel for decoration purposes.
