Case hardening is used to create a wear resistant tough layer from 0.1mm to 2mm thick on the outside of certain alloyed and carbon steels while leaving the core of the steel softer and more malleable.

The tough outer layer provides wear resistance, strengthens and increases the components life in service.

Case hardening is commonly used in the manufacture of machine parts, all forms of pinions, gears, and carbon steel components.

We are able to perform several different processes for case hardening including:

• Salt Bath Carburising
• Pack Carburising
• Core refining
• Carbon restoration

Through hardening is a process of hardening steel to achieve a uniform hardness from the surface to the core, increasing the strength and toughness of the component.

Usually a three step process; first heating the steel to a temperature where the molecular structure is changed, then rapidly dropping the temperature by quenching in either oil, salt water or air. Followed by a temper process of reheating the steel to relieve internal stresses and reduce brittleness.

It is applied to many different materials including but not limited to tool steels, hot work steels, cold work steels, high speed steels and plastic mould steels.

We are able to perform several different processes to achieve a through hardened result depending on the component, design and material. These include;

• Salt bath hardening
• Flame hardening
• Induction hardening
• Martempering
• Precipitation hardening
• Age hardening

Gas nitriding is a form of low temperature case hardening ideal for increasing the surface wear resistance, improving corrosion resistance, resistance to fatigue and ability to retain hardness at high temperatures.

As the processing temperature of gas nitriding is between 490-560℃ depending on material, the component is unlikely to experience any growth or movement and the core hardness is unchanged. Making it the ideal surface treatment for finished components.

Case depths of between 0.005” to 0.020” (0.13mm to 0.63mm) can be achieved.

The component can also be masked in specific areas, to prohibit the process and leave surfaces soft.

Annealing treatment is used to reduce the hardness of a material to facilitate further manufacturing or machining processes.

After forging, casting rolling or forming components will hold internal stresses or have uneven hardness. Annealing returns the component to a unified soft state, improving the machinability and ductility.

The purpose of stress relieving treatment is to reduce the internal stresses that build up in a component during manufacturing processes, notably after welding, machining or forming.

Without it, components can be difficult to machine further, can distort, or the internal stresses can cause fatigue cracks.

With more than 60 years in the Heat treatment industry, we are able to help suggest which material and process that will best suit your application.

We will also help to tailor a specific heat treatment process to maximise the functionality of the component and the turnaround time.

If you have an existing component that has failed or worn we can test to best determine which material and process can be used to replace it.

Heat Treatment Services offer a range of non-destructive and destructive material testing utilising our hardness testing equipment.

We are able to test in multiple different hardness units including rockwell, brinell, vickers and micro vickers. Testing for case hardness and case thickness is available hardness test certificates can accompany completed work.