Genomhärdade
Genomhärdade refers to a class of steels and iron alloys that are hardened uniformly throughout their cross-section by a high-temperature heat treatment, rather than only at the surface. The term is commonly used in Swedish metallurgy to describe through-hardening processes, distinguishing them from surface-hardening methods such as carburizing or nitriding.
The typical through-hardening process involves heating the material to a high austenitizing temperature, followed by quenching
Materials commonly through-hardened include certain plain carbon steels and alloy steels, as well as some martensitic
Advantages of genomhärdade components include uniform hardness, improved core strength, and reliable performance in demanding applications
See also: case hardening, martensitic steels, heat treatment, tempering.