Tempering

After the hardening of steel, it may be necessary, depending on the subsequent application, to perform tempering in order to relieve internal stresses within the material. The higher the tempering temperature, the softer the steel becomes — hardness decreases, while toughness increases.

The induction heating method offers significant advantages in this process: both the temperature and the heating time can be precisely controlled and maintained. This ensures high reproducibility and consistently excellent part quality.

Why tempering after hardening matters

Freshly hardened steel is very hard, but also brittle and internally stressed. Without tempering, the risk of cracking and sudden brittle fracture in service increases. During tempering, the component is heated to a temperature below the hardening temperature in a targeted way, trading some hardness for greater toughness and fracture resistance. The correct tempering temperature depends on the material and the desired combination of hardness and toughness.

Advantages of induction tempering

• Direct integration into the hardening line – hardening and tempering can be combined in one automated sequence
• Precise temperature control – for a reproducible balance of hardness and toughness
• Short process times – resulting in short cycle times in series production
• Documentable process parameters – for quality verification and production release

FAQ on induction tempering

Does every hardened component need to be tempered?

In most cases yes, since purely hardened steel is too brittle for practical use without tempering. Whether and to what extent tempering is applied depends on the material and component requirements.

Can tempering be done directly after hardening?

Yes. Our PLC-based process control can combine hardening and tempering in one automated sequence, so both steps run one after another without manual intervention.

How does the tempering temperature affect the component?

The higher the tempering temperature, the more hardness decreases and the more toughness increases. We determine the right temperature together with you based on the desired component properties.

Planning a hardening and tempering process? Talk to us – we will align temperature control and process sequence with your component.

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