Electron Beam Hardening
Process for surface hardening in a vacuum through targeted bombardment of the surface with accelerated electrons. High energy density permits sharp-edged hardened zones without external cooling media.
In electron beam hardening, the surface is locally heated and rapidly quenched. This gives you a hard surface layer, but the core remains tough. The process is well suited for parts that need to be wear-resistant, such as guides or gear flanks. But be careful: If you put in too much energy or irradiate the surface too long, the part can overheat and distort. Cracks are also possible if the material becomes too hard. You must therefore carefully match the power and dwell time, otherwise you'll quickly have scrap. In practice, this means: test first, then production.