flame hardening method

tom2005

Hardening the surface of metal components such as turbine blades, gears, shafts, rollers and camshafts is normally achieved in one of four ways:
furnace hardening (electric or gas)
thermo-chemical methods (carburizing/carbon-nitriding)
electric induction
flame hardening
The latter two methods involve short-duration, high-intensity heat applied on the selected area of the component, followed by quenching.  In addition to avoiding the need for a controlled atmosphere environment, these two methods also permit localized treatment, leaving the balance of the component at its original hardness level for further machining or finishing.
Flame hardening uses direct impingement of an oxy-gas flame onto a defined surface area.  The result of the hardening process is controlled by four factors:  the design of the flame head;  the duration of heating;  the target temperature to be reached;  and the composition of the metal being treated.  The process is also effective at preheating bars, strip and various contours prior to austnizing, forming and forging.

Flame Hardening Systems, Inc. manufactures a full range of equipment for efficently applying heat to a broad assortment of component parts.  Basically there are four methods/types of systems we build, depending on many factors.  Please follow these links for detailed information and descriptions of each major category: (hint...you can also link to these from the cascading menu on our main navigation bar under Flame-Hardening Methods)

tom2005

Stationary flame hardening requires that the specified area be heated.  Then the part is taken to quench or quench is brought to the part.  
This method is particularly well-suited for shaft ends, special steel casting configurations and large parts.
  
This photo shows actuator lugs being hardened utilizing the stationary flame hardening method.  
Application Photo:
Dana Spicer Clutch, Auburn, Indiana.

It is a pity that i can't take these photos to enclose in the post. If you know how to do these, please, tell me.

tom2005

Progressive flame hardening involves the use of a flame head with integrated quench capability.  The heat/quench head is mobile....it moves along the part (sometimes called "scanning").  Various means are utilized for moving the heat/quench head.
This method is particularly well-suited for ways, knives and flats.
  
This photo shows ways on 16" vise base being hardened utiizing the progressive flame hardening method.  
Application Photo:
MG Industries, Auburn, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

tom2005

Spin flame hardening requires the specified area being  treated to be spun in front of the flame head(s).  Then the part is taken to quench.  
This method is particularly well-suited for gears, wheels and sprockets.
  
This photo shows gear teeth on worm shaft being hardened utilizing the spin flame hardening method.  
Application Photo:
Rexnord Corporation, Horsham, Pennsylvania.

tom2005

Combination flame hardening couples the progressive and spinning methods.  The part being treated spins in front of the flame/quench head(s) and at the same time the flame/quench head(s) move along the length of the part.  
This method is ideal for hardening shafts.
  
This photo shows a large-diameter shaft being hardened.  
Application Photo:
Union Electric Steel, Carnegie, Pennsylvania.