Hardening - Optimization of Material Properties

Electron beam hardening is a surface treatment procedure, which allows for the systematic improvement of the wear resistance of component surfaces. These surface areas can be precisely defined. Figures 1-5.

Benefit from our strengths:

• This procedure can be used for components with finished size (also at the end of the production chain) since normally only little and insignificant distortions are created. The surface roughness is not affected.
• There is no discoloration or scaling of the surface since the process takes place in vacuum.
• Achievable hardness is partly considerably higher than that offered by conventional processes.
• Excellent repeatability of the results and thus suitable for series production.
• Highly efficient and cost-effective since the process is executed within seconds.
• Hardenable materials: almost all steel types (containing perlite), cast iron and cast steel (austenitic or ferritic steels and nonferrous metals cannot be hardened)

Other surface treatment technologies
Remelting, Alloying, Annealing, Engraving

Electron beam hardening is used in almost all metalworking industries, in particular for enhancing the wear resistance of components exposed to sliding or rolling friction.

Examples:

• Vehicle construction (many engine components such as camshafts, crankshafts, valves and valve seats, bearing seats in the power train)
• Mechanical engineering (sealing and slide faces, bearing seats, auxiliary surfaces for assembly)
• Aerospace industry (seats and sealing faces)
• Medical engineering (implants)

A rectangular energy field generated by high frequency deflection of the electron beam is moved over the material surface. The energy distribution in the field is adapted to the thermodynamic requirements of the process. The energy peak at the front of the field heats the material within seconds to an optimum temperature in the austenite area, just below the melting temperature. Via the remaining energy field length enough energy is provided, to maintain the set temperature. By controlling the energy transfer field length and the relative field movement speed the temperature hold time and thus the desired hardening depth are precisely controlled. Electron beam hardening is based – like all hardening processes – on the relation between temperature and hold time, it is completely controllable, repeatable and capable of being automated. The transformation of structure typical for the hardening is solely caused by self-cooling; no external cooling media are required. The cooling rates are approx. 103 - 104 K/s. The maximum obtainable hardening depth is approx. 1.7 mm. Common depths range from 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm. Hardening of 3 dimensional surfaces is also possible.

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