hardenability
Hardenability means an ability of steel to become hardened in depth when heated and quenched, defining how far below the surface the hardness extends into the metal.
Key Features:
- Depth of Hardening: Hardenability indicates capacity to harden upon a given section, which provides an application extent for steel strength and durability.
- Material Composition: Alloying elements, such as carbon, chromium, and manganese, increase hardenability improving steel response to heat treatment.
- Cooling Rate Dependence: The later hardness, the more shallower the depth because this so readily quenches hardening.
Hardenability is very important in making components such as gears, shafts, and tools where the elements are needed to be non-uniform in hardness. It makes the entire component become more wear resistant and stronger. This property is used mainly in the manufacture of automotive, aerospace, and industrial machines.