Einfluss des induktiven Anlassens auf die Biegefestigkeit randschichtgehärteter Gefüge

Tempering of case-hardened steel components improves their toughness, stability of dimensions and grindability and reduces their fatigue strength and wear resistance. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the loading conditions that make it possible to use the steel components in as-quenched condition and to replace the time consuming conventional tempering by short-time induction tempering. Specimens of three plain carbon steels and three low-alloy steels with different carbon contents were induction hardened to varying case depths followed by induction tempering and conventional tempering, respectively. A third of the specimens were investigated in the as-quenched condition. Bending tests and impact tests were supplemented by metallographic and fracture investigations. The results show that short-time induction tempering is suited to substitute conventional tempering with respect to mechanical properties.