Hot processing techniques and equipment terms
Heat treatment is a process of heating and cooling metal parts to alter the properties of the material. Heat treatment is used to change the hardness, strength, ductility, and other properties of metal parts. The most common form of heat treatment is tempering, which involves heating metal to a predetermined temperature and then quickly cooling it. There are many methods used to heat metal parts, including induction hardening, forging, annealing, and quenching. The types of equipment used in heat treatment vary widely and include furnaces, induction machines, crucibles, and more.
Induction hardening is a process where a ferromagnetic material, such as steel, is heated using an electric current. The process can be used to surface harden materials such as gears, shafts, and dies. It increases the hardness of the metal and makes it more wear resistant. Induction machines are used for this process, as they allow for precise control of heating in different areas of the metal part.
Forging is the process of manufacturing metal parts from solid blocks of metal by heating and shaping it in a press. It is used to create parts with desired size, shape and properties. Forging is commonly used for creating strong parts that have a long life. Forging presses and hammers are used to apply pressure and shape the metal.
Annealing is a process that is used to soften metal for easy handling. During the annealing process, the metal part is heated to a temperature slightly higher than its critical temperature and then slowly cooled. It increases the ductility of the metal, allowing it to be bent or shaped without breaking. Annealing also relieves internal stresses caused by welding and improved machinability. Annealing furnaces are used to safely heat the metal to the right temperature.
Quenching is a process used to harden metal parts. It involves rapidly cooling the part in oil, water, air, or a combination of these elements. The fast cooling causes the metal to become more brittle, thus increasing its hardness. Quenching is commonly used for tool steel to make it more wear resistant. Quenching tanks are used to submerge the metal in oil or water for rapid cooling.
There are many other hot processing techniques and equipment used for heat-treating metal, including tempering, carburizing, nitriding, and more. Proper use of these techniques and equipment ensures that the metal parts have the desired properties for a specific application.
