Induction Hardening

Induction hardening

The steel component is placed inside a coil, which carries a high frequency current. Eddy currents are

induced on the surface of the component causing a rapid rise in temperature. This allows a change to

austenite in the surface layers of the component. Water jets then cool the steel transforming the

austenite to martensite. This leaves the outer surface hard. The frequency of the current determines

the depth of heating and the depth of hardening. Induction hardening is used on the slideways of a

lathe.