Companies are always looking to increase the wear-and-tear capability and durability of their products. From bicycle parts to gears for airplanes, every part needs to undergo heat treating services to reach this goal. When thermal companies perform the process correctly, the results ensure light, strong and cost-effective components for many different industries. However, it is essential to choose the right process or errors, and even downright disasters can occur.
Factors Influencing the Selection of Heat Treating Services
It is important to remember the basics when considering implementing a heat treatment. The number one factor influencing the choice of method is the actual metal. All metals are not suitable or even capable of undergoing a heat treatment. Choosing the wrong alloy can result in the creation of imperfect parts incapable of withstanding the demands required by their environment and application.
To ensure the implementation of the right heat treatment, always choose a compatible metal. However, this is not the only factor to take into serious consideration. A manufacturing concern needs to take under consideration the following qualities affecting the result and, therefore, they must be influential in the selection process:
Intended purpose: What is the intended application of this particular part?
Environment: What type of environment does the part reside or operate in? Is it mild, “normal” or more challenging?
Duration: How long is the projected length of the component in application?
Volume of pieces: How many components require treatment? Does this mean a flame hardening (few parts) or induction heat-treating (many parts)?
Finding accurate answers to these questions reduces the risk of selecting the wrong method of heat treatment.
Heat Treating Services
To achieve the best results possible in heat treatments, a company must consider all the applicable factors. It must look at suitability, end application, and related requirements. Only then can a company select the appropriate heat treating services.