TY - JOUR

T1 - Characterization of Graded Subsurface Zones in Industrial Case-Hardening Using a Non-Destructive Testing System

AU - Gansel, R.

AU - Zimmermann, C.

AU - Fricke, L. V.

AU - Lüdtke, M.

AU - Klümper-Westkamp, H.

AU - Fechte-Heinen, R.

AU - Maier, H. J.

AU - Zaremba, D.

N1 - Funding Information: The IGF project (19595 N) of the Forschungsvereinigung Forschungsgesellschaft Stahlverformung e.V. (Research Association for Steel Forming) was funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy via the AiF within the framework of the programme for the promotion of joint industrial research (IGF) on the basis of a resolution of the German Bundestag. The long version of the final report can be requested from FSV, Goldene Pforte 1, 58093 Hagen.

PY - 2021/6/30

Y1 - 2021/6/30

N2 - For process monitoring and quality assurance of case-hardened components, the determination of the case-hardening depth in the manufacturing process after hardening of the subsurface layer is a quality verification that is often required in industry. Currently, these quality assurance tests can only be realized with destructive measures. During case-hardening, the essential microstructural formation, and thus the key component properties are developed during the heat treatment in the cooling section. The testing technique used in the present study is based on the analysis of harmonic signals of eddy current testing. The aim of this project was to achieve an early identification of incorrect cooling processes in the case of a known transformation behaviour of the components during cooling. The data collected in the industrial hardening process show that an evaluation of the carburizing process on the basis of the case-hardening depth can be carried out non-destructively during component cooling and in the cooled state with the use of eddy current technology.

AB - For process monitoring and quality assurance of case-hardened components, the determination of the case-hardening depth in the manufacturing process after hardening of the subsurface layer is a quality verification that is often required in industry. Currently, these quality assurance tests can only be realized with destructive measures. During case-hardening, the essential microstructural formation, and thus the key component properties are developed during the heat treatment in the cooling section. The testing technique used in the present study is based on the analysis of harmonic signals of eddy current testing. The aim of this project was to achieve an early identification of incorrect cooling processes in the case of a known transformation behaviour of the components during cooling. The data collected in the industrial hardening process show that an evaluation of the carburizing process on the basis of the case-hardening depth can be carried out non-destructively during component cooling and in the cooled state with the use of eddy current technology.

KW - case-hardening

KW - case-hardening depth

KW - eddy current technology

KW - harmonic analysis of eddy current signals

KW - heat treatment

KW - quality assurance

KW - Subsurface zone modification

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85108686168&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1515/htm-2021-0006

DO - 10.1515/htm-2021-0006

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:85108686168

VL - 76

SP - 237

EP - 245

JO - HTM - Journal of Heat Treatment and Materials

JF - HTM - Journal of Heat Treatment and Materials

SN - 1867-2493

IS - 3

ER -