Flame Harden 4140 Q&T 1

[santa6]

Customer has specified a part made of 4140 Q&T with portion of the part to be flame hardened to Rc 58-62, 1/8" dp minimum.

Part weighs roughly 60 lbs and 18" long - center 6" portion is to be case hardened.

What is recommended procedure to achieve this? Greatly appreciate any help.

 

[Maui]

Send it to a shop that specializes in flame hardening. Penna Flame is a good choice. You can find them here:

http://www.pennaflame.com/

Maui

http://www.EngineeringMetallurgy.com

 

[redpicker]

Maui's advice is the best you could get.

While it may seem that this process is one that you could perform with an acetylene torch and a bucket of motor oil (as I have been told was a suitable way to go about it), that is a recipe for disaster. If you have to ask how to do it, you shouldn't be trying. This isn't a slam or a backhanded insult, but a true concern for safety for both you and the material. Cost-wise, you will come out way ahead going to a shop that has the equipment and expertise.

If you are interested in the process and what exactly is performed, see if you can witness the part being processed. Generally, the shops are willing to allow surveillance, provided you follow their safety rules and stay out of their way. After witnessing several parts being processed, and asking those who are doing the work appropiate questions, if you want to try doing it yourself, go ahead. I'd be surprised, though, unless you have a high volume of parts to process, if you could do it better or quicker than a shop that specialized in this process.

rp