Surface Induction Hardening Depth
The measurable hardening depth down to a defined threshold hardness achieved through high-frequency electromagnetic heating and rapid quenching. It protects heavily stressed functional surfaces against wear.
In induction hardening, the surface layer is rapidly heated by electromagnetic energy and then quenched abruptly. This gives the component a hard, wear-resistant surface while the core remains tough. If the hardening depth is wrong, you either have too little wear protection or the risk of cracks due to a too brittle layer. The correct depth is best checked with a hardness test on a cross-section. Adjust the power and feed speed so that the heat does not penetrate too deep into the material. Better to work in several short passes than to put in too much energy at once.