Induction Tempering Solutions

Tempering can be performed on all hardened components, such bars, joints, and shafts. KEXIN’s tempering solutions are widely used across industries, particularly in automotive and automotive supply sectors. We offer both custom and ready-made solutions, all crafted to meet the highest quality standards.

    KEXIN Induction Tempering Solutions for Precision Manufacturing

    Induction tempering is a heat treatment process that enhances the mechanical properties, such as toughness and ductility, of already-hardened workpieces. As a green tech company, KEXIN is committed to advancing sustainability while offering cutting-edge induction heating technology.

    We provide both standard and customized induction tempering systems tailored to your specific workpiece requirements. Our solutions can easily integrate into your production line that ensure optimal energy consumption and precise mechanical property specifications.

    Induction Tempering

    What is Induction Tempering?

    Induction tempering is a heat treatment process that improves the toughness, ductility, and wear resistance of hardened workpieces. Typically performed after induction hardening or carburizing, it adjusts the ductility and hardness/stiffness ratio. Compared to furnace tempering, induction tempering is much faster, completing the process in seconds rather than hours. It can be easily integrated into production lines, allowing for precise control of individual workpieces and minimizing process components.

    This method can be used for various components like bars, joints, and shafts, enhancing material hardness and malleability. Protective gases may be used to prevent oxidation at higher temperatures. For certain steel grades, holding time and temperature control help avoid issues like “tempering frostiness” .

    The Basics of Induction Tempering

    Induction tempering performes at a lower temperature than the induction hardening process in order to reach a desired hardness range or to add toughness to the part by increasing ductility. Induction tempering of steel typically is done with low-frequencies to produce results in seconds.

    During the process, the entire part is heated to a suitable temperature, usually around 400°C (depending on the material type), and then cooled slowly or naturally. This controlled cooling process helps relieve internal stresses by reducing mechanical strains. As a result, tempering preserves the mechanical properties established during partial or full quenching without compromising the material’s strength.

    The Basics of Induction Tempering

    Difference Between Induction Hardening and Tempering

    Induction hardening and induction tempering are both heat treatment processes, but they serve different purposes and involve distinct techniques. In essence, induction hardening is used to harden the surface of a workpiece, while induction tempering is a secondary process that refines the hardness, reducing brittleness and improving the material’s overall mechanical properties. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:

    Feature Induction Hardening Induction Tempering
    Purpose To increase surface hardness To improve toughness and ductility
    Temperature High (800°C–1000°C) Lower (150°C–650°C)
    Effect Hardens the surface, makes the material brittle Relieves stress, reduces brittleness, increases toughness
    Time Very fast (seconds to minutes) Longer (depends on the material and temperature)
    Application Parts requiring high surface wear resistance (gears, shafts, etc.) Parts after hardening to improve performance and durability
    Quenching Rapid quenching (usually in water or oil) Slow cooling (often air or controlled environment)

    Key Benefits of Induction Tempering

    Faster Processing

    Induction tempering is significantly faster than traditional furnace tempering, completing the process in seconds rather than hours.

    Precision Control

    It allows for precise control over individual workpieces, enhancing productivity and ensuring consistent results.

    Reduced Process Components

    Induction tempering minimizes the need for additional components, integrating into production lines.

    Improved Material Properties

    It enhances material toughness, wear resistance, and malleability, making it especially beneficial for components such as bars, joints, and shafts.

    Overcoming Brittleness

    Exposure to certain environments can cause some metals to become weak and brittle. Tempering helps overcome this brittleness and significantly improves toughness.

    Induction Tempering for Industrial Applications

    Induction Tempering of Deflector Plates

    Induction Tempering of Deflector Plates

    Induction tempering for making gears

    Induction tempering for making gears

    Induction steel shaft tempering

    Induction steel shaft tempering

    Induction tempering of drills & saws

    Induction tempering of drills & saws

    Metalworking parts tempering by induction machine

    Metalworking parts tempering by induction machine

    Induction tempering of tanks & tubes

    Induction tempering of tanks & tubes

    Induction tempering of tanks & tubes
    Induction tempering of tanks & tubes

    Materials Suitable for Induction Tempering

    Induction tempering is used to improve the toughness, ductility, and wear resistance of materials, especially metals. Here’s a quick overview of materials suitable for this process:

    Carbon Steels

    • Low to Medium Carbon Steels:After hardening, induction tempering enhances surface toughness and reduces brittleness.
    • High Carbon Steels:Tempering is essential for reducing brittleness and improving toughness after hardening.

    Alloy Steels

    • Cr-Mo, Ni-Cr Alloys:Induction tempering enhances wear resistance and strength while improving toughness.
    • Vanadium & Tungsten Alloys:These alloys benefit from tempering to ensure toughness and prevent cracking.

    Tool Steels

    • High-Speed Steel (HSS):Used in cutting tools, tempering increases toughness and reduces brittleness after hardening.
    • Cold Work Tool Steels:Induction tempering ensures an optimal balance of hardness and toughness, ideal for molds and dies.

    Stainless Steels

    • Martensitic Stainless Steels:Tempering increases toughness while maintaining hardness for corrosion-resistant applications.
    • Precipitation-Hardening Stainless Steels:Enhances mechanical properties after hardening, improving toughness and strength.

    Bainitic & Maraging Steels

    • Bainitic Steels:Induction tempering refines the microstructure, improving hardness and toughness.
    • Maraging Steels:Tempering is used to fine-tune strength, toughness, and ductility.

    Cast Iron

    • Ductile Iron:After hardening, tempering improves toughness, making it suitable for high-stress applications.
    • Gray Iron:While not typically hardened, tempering improves machinability and stress relief.

    Copper Alloys & Aluminum

    • Bronze, Brass, and Some Aluminum Alloys:Induction tempering can enhance toughness and strength, though hardening is less common for these materials.

    Industries of induction tempering

    Induction heating represents a safe, non-contact, and precise methodology. This sophisticated process entails the intricate interplay of electromagnetic energy and thermal transfer via an induction coil. It is widely used in various industries:

    Constructing Industry

    Constructing Industry

    Metal material often tempered by induction machine are exposed to high impact such as gear wheels, cutting edges, earthmoving buckets, dump truck wear liners, chutes, and more. It’s ideal for use in construction industries.

    Automotive Industry

    Automotive Industry

    Induction tempering strengthens vital components like camshafts, gears and axles, enhancing their durability and resilience against engine stress. This method extends the lifespan and reliability of automotive parts, thereby enhancing vehicle performance and safety.

    TUBES & PIPES INDUSTRY

    TUBES & PIPES INDUSTRY

    The tubing and pipe industries also use the process to temper workpieces. It is also a form of case hardening, which can be used on many plates of steel and steel alloys to increase surface layer properties, such as wear resistance and hardness.

    FAQS

    01.What is the processing of tempering?

    The tempering process involves heating the material to a specific temperature, typically above 40°C, to dissolve any residual stresses and reduce brittleness. The material is then slowly cooled, usually below 30°C, allowing stable crystalline structures to form, which improve toughness and other desired properties.

    02. What is the difference between tempering and annealing?

    Annealing involves heating steel to a high temperature and then slowly cooling it to relieve stresses and improve ductility. Tempering, on the other hand, involves heating the metal to a temperature below its critical point to reduce brittleness and increase toughness, often performed in air, vacuum, or inert atmospheres.

    03.What are the three types of tempering?

    • Full Tempering:The material is heated to a selected temperature on the tempering scale and then slowly cooled.
    • Subcritical Tempering:Performed at lower temperatures, offering a balance between toughness and hardness.
    • Precipitation Tempering:Used for a limited number of alloys, where the material is heated to promote precipitation of certain phases.

    04.Why is tempering done after hardening?

    Tempering is performed after hardening to improve the toughness of steel. Hardening creates martensite, which is very hard but brittle. Tempering heats the steel to a lower temperature to relieve internal stresses and restore ductility without sacrificing hardness.

    05.What is the purpose of tempering?

    Tempering is done to balance mechanical properties such as shear strength, hardness, ductility, and tensile strength. This allows the steel to meet specific requirements for various applications, making it more versatile and durable.

    06.When should tempering begin?

    Tempering should be carried out shortly after hardening, preferably within an hour. It is important to allow the material to cool to room temperature before starting the tempering process.

    07.Do you temper before or after quenching?

    Tempering is done after quenching. Quenching hardens the steel but makes it brittle. Tempering follows quenching to relieve stresses and reduce brittleness, increasing the material’s toughness.

    08.How to choose the frequency of induction tempering machine?

    The frequency for induction tempering machines depends on the material, size, and shape of the workpieces. Different materials require different frequencies for optimal heating and tempering. Contact us for a tailored recommendation.

    09.How to choose the cooling system for induction tempering machine?

    The cooling system should be selected based on the specific tempering requirements, such as the type of material being tempered and the desired cooling rate. We offer recommendations for the most suitable cooling systems for different tempering needs.

    10. How long is the warranty period for induction tempering machines?

    We provide a one-year warranty for induction tempering machines. If any issues arise, you can send videos or photos to us for troubleshooting. Our engineers will analyze the problem and provide spare parts for replacement, along with lifelong technical support.

    11. What are the advantages of induction tempering over furnace tempering?

    Induction tempering is faster, more precise, and energy-efficient compared to furnace tempering. It can be integrated into production lines, allowing for quick processing and greater control over individual workpieces.

    12. Can induction tempering be applied to all types of metals?

    While induction tempering is most commonly applied to steels, it can also be used for some alloys, including cast iron, nickel-chromium alloys, and certain types of copper alloys, as long as they have the required hardenability.

    13. What is the ideal temperature range for induction tempering?

    The ideal tempering temperature typically ranges from 200°C to 700°C, depending on the material and the desired properties. The temperature is selected based on the type of metal and its intended use.

    14. Is induction tempering suitable for large production volumes?

    Yes, induction tempering is well-suited for large production volumes due to its speed and ability to integrate seamlessly into automated production lines, making it ideal for high-throughput applications.

    15. How does induction tempering improve wear resistance?

    Induction tempering increases the surface hardness of materials, which improves wear resistance, especially in components subjected to friction, such as gears, shafts, and bearings.

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