kovettumiskäsittely

Kovettumiskäsittely, known in English as hardening or tempering, is a heat treatment process used to increase the hardness and strength of metals, primarily steels. The process typically involves heating the metal to a specific temperature and then rapidly cooling it, usually in water or oil. This rapid cooling, called quenching, transforms the microstructure of the steel, making it harder but also more brittle.

To reduce brittleness and achieve a desired balance of hardness and toughness, a subsequent tempering process is often employed. Tempering involves reheating the hardened metal to a lower temperature and holding it there for a specific period before cooling it again. The tempering temperature and time determine the final properties of the metal, allowing for adjustment of hardness, tensile strength, and ductility.

Different types of hardening treatments exist, including through hardening, case hardening, and induction hardening, each suited for different applications and material requirements. Through hardening affects the entire cross-section of the material, while case hardening only hardens the surface layer. Induction hardening uses electromagnetic induction to rapidly heat and quench the surface.

Kovettumiskäsittely is a fundamental process in metallurgy, widely used in manufacturing to improve the performance and durability of components such as tools, gears, automotive parts, and structural elements. The precise control of heating and cooling cycles is crucial for achieving the intended mechanical properties and avoiding defects.