Five processes under one roof. Each has its place — we choose the right one for your component and material.
Five processes under one roof. Each has its place — we choose the right one for your component and material.
The classic hardening process with oil quenching — the most economical method for many structural and tool steels.
Heating above the austenitising temperature followed by rapid quenching in a warm oil bath. Result: a martensitic microstructure with high hardness, tempered to achieve the target toughness.
Minimal distortion, bright, clean. The process of choice when little rework is desired after hardening.
Heating under high vacuum, quenching with pressurised nitrogen. No surface oxidation, no decarburisation — components leave the furnace bright and dimensionally stable.
A hard surface layer of iron nitrides — at virtually zero distortion. Ideal when the geometry is already correct.
Diffusion of atomic nitrogen into the component surface at around 500 °C — well below the hardening temperature. The component becomes harder without distorting.
Precise, partial, fast. Harden functional surfaces — and keep the core tough.
High-frequency alternating current generates eddy currents and local heat in the component surface. Seconds later comes the water quench — hardened only where it needs to be.
Vacuum carburizing for highly stressed components.
At a very low pressure of just 0.05 mbar, carbon diffuses into the surface layer of the workpiece. This creates a hard, wear-resistant surface while maintaining a tough core – ideal for highly stressed components exposed to high pressures and mechanical loads.
| Procedure | Hardness | Distortion | Surface | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil bath hardening | 58–64 HRC | Medium | Black, oxidised | Economical |
| Vacuum hardening | 60–66 HRC | Low | Bright | Dimensional accuracy |
| Gas nitriding | 800–1200 HV | Very low | Matte grey | Wear protection |
| Induction hardening | 55–62 HRC | Locally controlled | Zone-selective | Partial + fast |
| Low Pressure Carburizing | 58-64 HRC | Low distortion | Bright and clean | High dimensional accuracy and no surface oxidation |