Secondary Hardening of Steel
Introduction
Secondary hardening of steel is a process used to harden a metal after it has been heat-treated. This process strengthens the metal and makes it more durable. The secondary hardening process uses an induction heater and a metal alloy to achieve a hardening effect. When secondary hardening is applied to steel, it is known as tempering. Temper tempering is a process used to reduce the hardness of a metal by heating it and cooling it quickly. This process can be used to harden and strengthen a metal without altering its physical properties.
Process
The secondary hardening process is a simple one. First, the metal is heated to a specific temperature in an induction heater. This temperature is based on the type of metal being heated and the desired end use. The metal is then subjected to a metal alloy, which is a combination of two or more metals. This alloy will embed into the metal and harden it. The metal is then cooled quickly, which will stop the embedding process and fix the hardened metal in place.
Benefits
Secondary hardening provides several important benefits. First, it increases the strength of the metal, making it more durable and less prone to breakage. It also helps to increase the wear resistance of the metal, making it more resistant to abrasion and wear. Additionally, secondary hardening can improve the appearance of the metal, making it look more attractive.
Drawbacks
Secondary hardening can also have some drawbacks. One of the most common is the possibility of over-tempering. This occurs when the metal is heated too hot, which can cause the metal to crack or even melt. Additionally, secondary hardening can be costly, due to the additional equipment and materials needed for the process.
Conclusion
Secondary hardening of steel is an important process used to strengthen and harden the metal. It increases the strength of the metal and helps to improve its wear resistance. However, it can also be costly and can result in over-tempering if the metal is heated too hot. Overall, secondary hardening can be a beneficial process if it is performed correctly.
