Successful Application of Intensive Quenching, Including the Elimination of Carburizing

Intensive Quenching (IQ) is not a new technology, it goes back over 50 years in Russia and 18 years in the USA. The use of IQ after induction through-heating on “Limited Hardenability” Steels to eliminate the long carburization cycle for case hardened parts is one of many successful applications of IQ. However, commercialization of the IQ process has been limited since the “Limited Hardenability” steels were only available from Russia. This has now changed, as several mills will consider supplying the material with its unique ultra-low alloy, plain carbon steel formula. We will discuss several successful applications of induction heating with IQ for a case hardened shell and a ductile core, without a furnace carburizing cycle. In addition to energy savings, this new combination allows for in-line, single-part flow for case hardened parts.