--- title: "Induction Hardening Process and Applications" description: "Our engineering expertise in developing cutting-edge induction hardening solutions has been applied by many automotive and other manufacturers worldwide." type: article version: 4 version_id: "47ac1ff6-03b4-44cf-9fab-78cca4c02472" generated_at: "2026-07-20T11:19:22.621Z" author: "many methods" language: en-us reading_time: "12 min" word_count: 2206 keywords: ["Induction Hardening", "hardening Application Notes", "hardening FAQs"] url: "https://www.ambrell.com/induction-heating-applications/hardening" --- # Induction Hardening Process and Applications > Our engineering expertise in developing cutting-edge induction hardening solutions has been applied by many automotive and other manufacturers worldwide. ## Key Takeaways - What is induction hardening? - Benefits of Using Induction Heating  for Hardening - hardening Application Notes - hardening FAQs - hardening Resources ## Contents - [What is induction hardening?](#what-is-induction-hardening) - [Benefits of Using Induction Heating  for Hardening](#benefits-of-using-induction-heating-for-hardening) - [hardening Application Notes](#hardening-application-notes) - [hardening FAQs](#hardening-faqs) - [hardening Resources](#hardening-resources) - [10 Induction Heating Application Notes](#10-induction-heating-application-notes) - [10 Automotive Application Notes](#10-automotive-application-notes) - [Our Systems for hardening with Induction](#our-systems-for-hardening-with-induction) # Induction Hardening - [Home](https://www.ambrell.com) - [How It's Used](https://www.ambrell.com/induction-heating-applications) - Hardening ## What is induction hardening? Hardening is any metallurgical process by which a material is given a higher resistance to plastic deformation. This is accomplished by many methods, including heating. Induction heating has been widely used for decades for this purpose. Induction generates an electromagnetic field in a work coil that induces currents in the conductive material of a workpiece placed within or near the coil. Friction from these currents elevates the temperature of the workpiece to be hardened.  [Can we help?](https://www.ambrell.com/contact-us-request-process?lead_origin=hardening&linked_from=Hardening%20[EN]&appnote_title=none) ## Benefits of Using Induction Heating  for Hardening  Induction heating uses a precise electromagnetic field to raise and hold the temperature of your material to the required level for your hardening process.  This can help you meet tight production tolerances with precise, repeatable localized hardening for faster heating cycles without having to rely on open flame or the restrictions of batch processes. [](https://www.ambrell.com/induction-heating-videos/hardening-a-hole-saw-with-induction) * * * ## hardening Application Notes Select from our collection of hardening notes, developed over 40 years supporting our customers. Read how we helped to solve their process heating challenges! [Hardening Steel Blades](/induction-heating-applications/appnote-request?lead_origin=hardening&appnote_filename=hardening-steel-blades&appnote_title=Hardening%20Steel%20Blades&meta_desc=Optimum%20power%20is%20delivered%20to%20the%20steel%20blades%20to%20understand%20the%20heat%20pattern.%20The%20feasibility%20of%20the%20application%20is%20confirmed.%20The%20target%20temperature%20is%20achieved%20in%20less%20than%2015%20seconds.&row_id=192891122213&table_id=125276737&linked_from=&referred_by=&a_b_version=) Optimum power is delivered to the steel blades to understand the heat pattern. The feasibility of the application is confirmed. The target temperature is achieved in less than 15 seconds. [Hardening surgical blades](/induction-heating-applications/appnote-request?lead_origin=hardening&appnote_filename=hardening-surgical-blades-&appnote_title=Hardening%20surgical%20blades%20&meta_desc=To%20quickly%20heat%20a%20steel%20surgical%20blade%20to%202000%20°F%20\(1093%20°C\)%20within%202%20seconds%20so%20as%20to%20harden%20the%20blade%20edge.&row_id=192891122200&table_id=125276737&linked_from=&referred_by=&a_b_version=) To quickly heat a steel surgical blade to 2000 °F (1093 °C) within 2 seconds so as to harden the blade edge. [Hardening Seat Belt Parts](/induction-heating-applications/appnote-request?lead_origin=hardening&appnote_filename=hardening-seat-belt-parts&appnote_title=Hardening%20Seat%20Belt%20Parts&meta_desc=A%20four-turn%20helical%20concentrating%20coil%20is%20specially%20designed%20to%20deliver%20uniform%20heat%20to%20the%20steel%20seat%20belt%20retraction%20gear.&row_id=192891122201&table_id=125276737&linked_from=&referred_by=&a_b_version=) A four-turn helical concentrating coil is specially designed to deliver uniform heat to the steel seat belt retraction gear. [Hardening the teeth of a large saw blade](/induction-heating-applications/appnote-request?lead_origin=hardening&appnote_filename=hardening-the-teeth-of-a-large-saw-blade&appnote_title=Hardening%20the%20teeth%20of%20a%20large%20saw%20blade&meta_desc=A%20torch%20isn't%20as%20precise%20as%20induction%20nor%20is%20it%20repeatable;%20induction%20heating%20is%20highly%20repeatable,%20uses%20less%20energy%20than%20a%20torch%20and%20offers%20instant%20on/off%20heating&row_id=192891122202&table_id=125276737&linked_from=&referred_by=&a_b_version=) A torch isn't as precise as induction nor is it repeatable; induction heating is highly repeatable, uses less energy than a torch and offers instant on/off heating [Case hardening a steel fitting (machined parts)](/induction-heating-applications/appnote-request?lead_origin=hardening&appnote_filename=case-hardening-a-steel-fitting-machined-parts&appnote_title=Case%20hardening%20a%20steel%20fitting%20\(machined%20parts\)&meta_desc=The%20coil%20design%20enabled%20the%20part%20to%20be%20raised%20into%20the%20heating%20coil%20from%20the%20bottom.%20The%20design%20was%20also%20made%20to%20ensure%20it%20will%20work%20well%20within%20the%20customer's%20current%20setup...&row_id=192891122203&table_id=125276737&linked_from=&referred_by=&a_b_version=) The coil design enabled the part to be raised into the heating coil from the bottom. The design was also made to ensure it will work well within the customer's current setup... [Surface hardening of steel screws](/induction-heating-applications/appnote-request?lead_origin=hardening&appnote_filename=surface-hardening-of-steel-screws&appnote_title=Surface%20hardening%20of%20steel%20screws&meta_desc=Induction%20heating%20enables%20precise%20application%20of%20heat,%20faster%20process%20time%20and%20production%20rates%20and%20the%20ability%20to%20be%20incorporated%20into%20existing%20production%20lines&row_id=192891122204&table_id=125276737&linked_from=&referred_by=&a_b_version=) Induction heating enables precise application of heat, faster process time and production rates and the ability to be incorporated into existing production lines [Hardening teeth on a steel motorcycle gear](/induction-heating-applications/appnote-request?lead_origin=hardening&appnote_filename=hardening-teeth-on-a-steel-motorcycle-gear&appnote_title=Hardening%20teeth%20on%20a%20steel%20motorcycle%20gear&meta_desc=A%20single%20turn%20helical%20coil%20is%20used%20to%20heat%20the%20gear.%20The%20gear%20is%20placed%20on%20a%20spindle%20and%20rotated%20at%20300-350%20RPM's.&row_id=192891122205&table_id=125276737&linked_from=&referred_by=&a_b_version=) A single turn helical coil is used to heat the gear. The gear is placed on a spindle and rotated at 300-350 RPM's. [Hardening steel screw threads](/induction-heating-applications/appnote-request?lead_origin=hardening&appnote_filename=hardening-steel-screw-threads&appnote_title=Hardening%20steel%20screw%20threads&meta_desc=A%20five%20turn%20helical%20coil%20is%20used%20heat%20the%20screw%20threads.%20The%20screw%20is%20placed%20in%20the%20coil,%20heat%20is%20applied%20for%208%20seconds%20to%20achieve%20a%202%20long%20zone%20at%20the%20required%20hardness.&row_id=192891122206&table_id=125276737&linked_from=&referred_by=&a_b_version=) A five turn helical coil is used heat the screw threads. The screw is placed in the coil, heat is applied for 8 seconds to achieve a 2 long zone at the required hardness. [Hardening the end of steel hand-held marking stamps](/induction-heating-applications/appnote-request?lead_origin=hardening&appnote_filename=hardening-the-end-of-steel-hand-held-marking-stamps&appnote_title=Hardening%20the%20end%20of%20steel%20hand-held%20marking%20stamps&meta_desc=To%20harden%20various%20size%20ends%20of%20hand%20held%20marking%20stamps.%20The%20area%20to%20be%20hardened%20is%203/4%20\(19mm\)%20up%20the%20shank.&row_id=192891122207&table_id=125276737&linked_from=&referred_by=&a_b_version=) To harden various size ends of hand held marking stamps. The area to be hardened is 3/4 (19mm) up the shank. [Hardening of Steel Cam Assembly](/induction-heating-applications/appnote-request?lead_origin=hardening&appnote_filename=hardening-of-steel-cam-assembly&appnote_title=Hardening%20of%20Steel%20Cam%20Assembly&meta_desc=Hardening%20the%20cam%20outer%20surfaces%20with%20induction%20results%20in%20uniform%20heating%20for%20uniform%20results,%20one%20coil%20can%20be%20used%20for%20many%20geometries,%20consistent%20results%20from%20piece%20to%20piece&row_id=192891122208&table_id=125276737&linked_from=&referred_by=&a_b_version=) Hardening the cam outer surfaces with induction results in uniform heating for uniform results, one coil can be used for many geometries, consistent results from piece to piece [Case Hardening of Armature Shaft](/induction-heating-applications/appnote-request?lead_origin=hardening&appnote_filename=case-hardening-of-armature-shaft&appnote_title=Case%20Hardening%20of%20Armature%20Shaft&meta_desc=A%20five-turn%20helical%20coil%20is%20used%20to%20heat%20the%20gear%20end%20of%20the%20shaft%20to%201700%20°F&row_id=192891122209&table_id=125276737&linked_from=&referred_by=&a_b_version=) A five-turn helical coil is used to heat the gear end of the shaft to 1700 °F [Hardening Cast Iron Pulleys](/induction-heating-applications/appnote-request?lead_origin=hardening&appnote_filename=hardening-cast-iron-pulleys&appnote_title=Hardening%20Cast%20Iron%20Pulleys&meta_desc=Heat%20cast%20iron%20pulleys%20to%201600%20°F\(871.1%20°C\)%20in%20order%20to%20achieve%20a%20hardness%20of%2055%20Rockwell%20C.&row_id=192891122210&table_id=125276737&linked_from=&referred_by=&a_b_version=) Heat cast iron pulleys to 1600 °F(871.1 °C) in order to achieve a hardness of 55 Rockwell C. [Hardening Stainless Steel Surgical Knife Blades](/induction-heating-applications/appnote-request?lead_origin=hardening&appnote_filename=hardening-stainless-steel-surgical-knife-blades&appnote_title=Hardening%20Stainless%20Steel%20Surgical%20Knife%20Blades&meta_desc=A%20two-turn%20helical%20coil%20with%20an%20internal%20quartz%20tube%20designed%20to%20scan%20the%20length%20of%20the%20blade%20is%20used%20to%20heat%20the%20blade%20to%201850%20°F%20\(1010%20°C\)%20to%20achieve%20the%20desired%20hardness.&row_id=192891122211&table_id=125276737&linked_from=&referred_by=&a_b_version=) A two-turn helical coil with an internal quartz tube designed to scan the length of the blade is used to heat the blade to 1850 °F (1010 °C) to achieve the desired hardness. [Hardening Bed Knife Blade for Reel Type Lawn Mowers](/induction-heating-applications/appnote-request?lead_origin=hardening&appnote_filename=hardening-bed-knife-blade-for-reel-type-lawn-mowers&appnote_title=Hardening%20Bed%20Knife%20Blade%20for%20Reel%20Type%20Lawn%20Mowers&meta_desc=The%20hardness%20desired%20is%20between%2045%20to%2055%20Rockwell%20C,%20and%20should%20be%20measured%200.062%20in%20\(1.6%20mm\)%20from%20the%20cutting%20edge.&row_id=192891122212&table_id=125276737&linked_from=&referred_by=&a_b_version=) The hardness desired is between 45 to 55 Rockwell C, and should be measured 0.062 in (1.6 mm) from the cutting edge. ## hardening FAQs ### Through hardening treats the entire part and is used on medium and high carbon steels for moderate strength and surface hardness. Because through hardening requires a deep penetrating heat that can damage the surface of a component if not regulated precisely, induction heating is an excellent solution for this application. Case hardening treats the part’s surface area and some of the interior area, according to the depth of hardening requirements of the application. ### Induction can be applied to harden many types of cast irons and steel alloys. ## hardening Resources ##### Select an option below: - Application Volumes Offers - Featured Video - Other Resources ## 10 Induction Heating Application Notes [](https://www.ambrell.com/appnote-request?lead_origin=hardening&appnote_filename=Induction%20Heating%20Application%20Notes%20Volume%201&appnote_title=Induction%20Heating%20Application%20Notes%20Volume%201&narration=We%20have%20collected%20these%2010%20popular%20Application%20Notes%20to%20help%20you%20understand%20the%20many%20ways%20induction%20heating%20can%20improve%20your%20heating%20processes.&linked_from=Induction%20Hardening%20Process%20and%20Applications)We have collected these 10 popular Application Notes to help you understand the many ways induction heating can improve your heating processes. ## 10 Automotive Application Notes [](https://www.ambrell.com/appnote-request?lead_origin=hardening&appnote_filename=Automotive%20Manufacturing%20AppNotes%20Volume%201&appnote_title=Automotive%20Manufacturing%20AppNotes%20Volume%201&narration=We%20have%20collected%20these%2010%20popular%20Application%20Notes%20to%20help%20you%20understand%20the%20many%20ways%20induction%20heating%20can%20improve%20your%20precision%20automotive%20manufacturing%20processes.&linked_from=Induction%20Hardening%20Process%20and%20Applications)We have collected these 10 popular Application Notes to help you understand the many ways induction heating can improve your precision automotive manufacturing processes. [](https://www.ambrell.com/induction-heating-videos/hardening-a-cutting-tool-with-induction)  [Hardening A Cutting Tool](https://www.ambrell.com/induction-heating-videos/hardening-a-cutting-tool-with-induction)  [ ### Blog Posts ](https://www.ambrell.com/blog/topic/hardening) #### Headline Add your content here. ### Videos ](https://www.ambrell.com/learn/application-videos#hardening) #### Headline ### Brochure ](https://www.ambrell.com/induction-heating-brochures/heat-treating?linked_from=Induction%20Hardening%20Process%20and%20Applications) #### Headline ## Our Systems for hardening with Induction ### EASYHEAT Models ](https://www.ambrell.com/products#easyheat) #### Headline ### EKOHEAT Models ](https://www.ambrell.com/products#ekoheat) #### Headline ### Workhead Models ](https://www.ambrell.com/products/workheads) #### Headline ### Product Spectrum ](https://www.ambrell.com/products#spectrum) #### Headline Four Ways To Contact Ambrell for Support [](https://www.ambrell.com/products/demo-request) [Request a Demo](https://www.ambrell.com/products/demo-request) [](https://www.ambrell.com/contact-us) [Give Us a Call](https://www.ambrell.com/contact-us) [](mailto:sales@ambrell.com) [Send an Email](mailto:sales@ambrell.com) [](https://www.ambrell.com/services/applications-lab) [Free Lab Services](https://www.ambrell.com/services/applications-lab) ### AMBRELL CORPORATION 1655 Lyell Avenue Rochester, NY 14606 United States  [](//www.ambrell.com/directions) [Directions](//www.ambrell.com/directions) [T: +1 585 889 9000](tel:15858899000) F: +1 585 889 4030 [Contact Sales](mailto:sales@ambrell.com) [Contact Orders](mailto:ambrellorders@ambrell.com) [Contact Service](mailto:service@ambrell.com) ### AMBRELL B.V. Holtersweg 1 7556 BS Hengelo The Netherlands [Directions](//www.ambrell.com/directions) [T: +31 880 150 100](tel:31880150100) F: +31 546 788 154 [](mailto:saleseu@ambrell.com)[Contact Sales](mailto:saleseu@ambrell.com) [Contact Orders](mailto:ambrelleuorders@ambrell.com) [Contact Service](mailto:serviceeu@ambrell.com) ### AMBRELL Ltd. Front Suite, 1st Floor, Charles House 148-149 Gt Charles Street Birmingham, B3 3HT United Kingdom [T: +44 1242 514042](tel:441242514042) F: +31 546 788 154 [Contact Sales](mailto:saleseu@ambrell.com) [Contact Orders](mailto:ambrelleuorders@ambrell.com) [Contact Service](mailto:serviceeu@ambrell.com) --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is induction hardening? Hardening is any metallurgical process by which a material is given a higher resistance to plastic deformation. This is accomplished by many methods, including heating. Induction heating has been widely used for decades for this purpose. Induction generates an electromagnetic field in a work coil that induces currents in the conductive material of a workpiece placed within or near the coil. Friction from these currents elevates the temperature of the workpiece to be hardened. Benefits of Using Induction Heating  for Hardening  Induction heating uses a precise electromagnetic field to raise and hold the temperature of your material to the required level for your hardening process.  This can help you meet tight production tolerances with precise, repeatable localized hardening for faster heating cycles without having to rely on open flame or the restrictions of batch processes. Benefits of Using Induction Heating  for Hardening  Induction heating uses a precise electromagnetic field to raise and hold the temperature of your material to the required level for your hardening process.  This can help you meet tight production tolerances with precise, repeatable localized hardening for faster heating cycles without having to rely on open flame or the restrictions of batch processes. Benefits of Using Induction Heating  for Hardening  Induction heating uses a precise electromagnetic field to raise and hold the temperature of your material to the required level for your hardening process.  This can help you meet tight production tolerances with precise, repeatable localized hardening for faster heating cycles without having to rely on open flame or the restrictions of batch processes. Benefits of Using Induction Heating  for Hardening  Induction heating uses a precise electromagnetic field to raise and hold the temperature of your material to the required level for your hardening process.  This can help you meet tight production tolerances with precise, repeatable localized hardening for faster heating cycles without having to rely on open flame or the restrictions of batch processes. Benefits of Using Induction Heating  for Hardening  Induction heating uses a precise electromagnetic field to raise and hold the temperature of your material to the required level for your hardening process.  This can help you meet tight production tolerances with precise, repeatable localized hardening for faster heating cycles without having to rely on open flame or the restrictions of batch processes. Benefits of Using Induction Heating  for Hardening  Induction heating uses a precise electromagnetic field to raise and hold the temperature of your material to the required level for your hardening process.  This can help you meet tight production tolerances with precise, repeatable localized hardening for faster heating cycles without having to rely on open flame or the restrictions of batch processes. Benefits of Using Induction Heating  for Hardening  Induction heating uses a precise electromagnetic field to raise and hold the temperature of your material to the required level for your hardening process.  This can help you meet tight production tolerances with precise, repeatable localized hardening for faster heating cycles without having to rely on open flame or the restrictions of batch processes. Benefits of Using Induction Heating  for Hardening  Induction heating uses a precise electromagnetic field to raise and hold the temperature of your material to the required level for your hardening process.  This can help you meet tight production tolerances with precise, repeatable localized hardening for faster heating cycles without having to rely on open flame or the restrictions of batch processes. Benefits of Using Induction Heating  for Hardening  Induction heating uses a precise electromagnetic field to raise and hold the temperature of your material to the required level for your hardening process.  This can help you meet tight production tolerances with precise, repeatable localized hardening for faster heating cycles without having to rely on open flame or the restrictions of batch processes. Benefits of Using Induction Heating  for Hardening  Induction heating uses a precise electromagnetic field to raise and hold the temperature of your material to the required level for your hardening process.  This can help you meet tight production tolerances with precise, repeatable localized hardening for faster heating cycles without having to rely on open flame or the restrictions of batch processes. ### What are some applications of heat treating? Through hardening treats the entire part and is used on medium and high carbon steels for moderate strength and surface hardness. Because through hardening requires a deep penetrating heat that can damage the surface of a component if not regulated precisely, induction heating is an excellent solution for this application. Case hardening treats the part’s surface area and some of the interior area, according to the depth of hardening requirements of the application. Through hardening treats the entire part and is used on medium and high carbon steels for moderate strength and surface hardness. Because through hardening requires a deep penetrating heat that can damage the surface of a component if not regulated precisely, induction heating is an excellent solution for this application. Case hardening treats the part’s surface area and some of the interior area, according to the depth of hardening requirements of the application. Through hardening treats the entire part and is used on medium and high carbon steels for moderate strength and surface hardness. Because through hardening requires a deep penetrating heat that can damage the surface of a component if not regulated precisely, induction heating is an excellent solution for this application. Case hardening treats the part’s surface area and some of the interior area, according to the depth of hardening requirements of the application. Through hardening treats the entire part and is used on medium and high carbon steels for moderate strength and surface hardness. Because through hardening requires a deep penetrating heat that can damage the surface of a component if not regulated precisely, induction heating is an excellent solution for this application. Case hardening treats the part’s surface area and some of the interior area, according to the depth of hardening requirements of the application. How can induction be used in a hardening application? Induction can be applied to harden many types of cast irons and steel alloys. How can induction be used in a hardening application? ### How can induction be used in a hardening application? Induction can be applied to harden many types of cast irons and steel alloys. Induction can be applied to harden many types of cast irons and steel alloys. Induction can be applied to harden many types of cast irons and steel alloys. Induction can be applied to harden many types of cast irons and steel alloys. --- ## About This Content **Source:** [Induction Hardening Process and Applications](https://www.ambrell.com/induction-heating-applications/hardening) **Author:** many methods *This content is provided for informational purposes. Please visit the original source for the most up-to-date information.*