How does induction quench work?

Induction hardening is a process used for surface hardening of steel and other alloys. An induction coil is used to generate and target an alternating magnetic field. This magnetic field produces a current of in the metal, which heats the room to the desired temperature. Once at temperature, the room undergoes a  quenching operation with water, oil or emulsion.

This cools the metal producing a hardened surface of greater hardness than the original metal. After quenching, the steel is subjected to an income, a low-temperature treatment making it possible to obtain the desired hardness / resistance ratio. The maximum hardness of a steel quality obtained by quenching results in a decrease in the strength of the material. A tempered steel treatment reduces the hardness of the material but improves its strength.

Tempering

Tempering is a low temperature heat treatment process normally performed AFTER induction hardening in order to reach a desired hardness/toughness ratio.

Benefits

The maximum hardness of a steel grade, which is obtained by hardening, gives the material a low toughness. Tempering reduces the hardness in the material and increases the toughness. Through tempering you can adapt materials properties (hardness/toughness ratio) to a specified application.