ELECTRON BEAM SURFACE HARDENING.

Abstract

Electron beam treating is different from other means of hardening in that energy can be directed accurately, heating occurs rapidly and the conversion from beam power to workpiece temperature rise takes place directly. In hardening steel, a beam of electrons is directed to the surface to be hardened, causing a local temperature rise. This continues until the spot is heated well into the austenizing, or hardening, range (typically 1 to 3 sec). The electron beam is switched off, or directed to the next area to be treated. Steel surrounding the work spot quickly conducts heat away from the heated spot, providing an effective quench. The advantages that accrue through adroit application of electron beam heat treating include discrete treatment, less distortion, energy efficiency, cleanliness, freedom from contamination, and high production rates.