Savings and Solutions Flame-hardening saves money by hardening only selective areas. Flame-hardening achieves high hardness for increased life. Expect less distortion with flame-hardening compared to other methods of heat treating. There is less machining and grinding in flame-hardening than in other methods. Processing time is less with flame-hardening. Carbon steels can be substituted for costly alloy steels when flame-hardening is employed. Flame-hardening provides more efficient productivity through increased wear resistance, which translates into less down time.

Overview

Flame-hardening is a rapid, economical method for selectively hardening specific areas on the surface of a part. This process is applied only to selected metal surfaces of carbon and alloy steels, cast and ductile irons and some stainless steels, followed by an appropriate quenching method.

The benefits of flame-hardening are many. Increased wear resistance, less distortion, reduced processing time and the ability to use low to medium carbon steels all contribute to reduced costs.

With our years of experience, technical expertise and specialized equipment Chicago Flame Hardening is able to provide the most effective and economic use of the flame-hardening process.

To maximize your savings and results we suggest you contact our technical staff to discuss material selection, distortion, stock allowances and other process variables.

Our Methods of Production

Progressive flame-hardening is achieved by scanning the surface of the metal, rapidly heating it and immediately quenching it at a uniform speed. This speed generally depends upon the desired depth of hardness.

Spin hardening is achieved when a part is surrounded by flame ejectors and heated while being spun rapidly. When the part reaches the proper temperature it is quenched through submersion or spraying with an appropriate quenching solution.

Combination as the name implies, is when the other two techniques are combined to provide uniform heating and quenching of a rotating part.

Applications

Many applications can be found for flame hardening. Various shapes, curved or straight, varying lengths, widths, and thickness, can be flame hardened in selective areas that are subject to excessive wear. The flame hardening process can be the best and most economical way to extend the life of and provide a better wear surface for the part. Here are a few examples of flame hardening applications.

Typical Progressive Method Applications Bushings Cams Capstans Cast bed ways Crane drums Dies Gears Housing & feed screws Lagging drums Liners Machine ways Pallets Punches Rails Rings Sheaves Sprockets Tracks	Typical Spinning Method Applications Gears Rollers Shafts Wheels Pulleys Sheaves
	Typical Combination Method Applications Arbors Rams Rolls Shafts Piston Rods Trunions

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