Manufacturing Insights with FMC: Industrial Heat Treatment

Industrial heat treatment plays a critical role in the performance and durability of any friction couple – or, in other words, the friction and steel discs working in a clutch or brake to control power and movement. Every time the brake pedal is pressed, significant torque is generated. That force must be transferred efficiently through friction material, across steel components and through carefully engineered steel plate profiles.

Material Reliability is Crucial

The reliability of this process depends on the strength, hardness, and overall integrity of the steel components involved. That’s why it’s essential to choose friction materials you can trust. FMC’s trained metallurgical team select and develops the right treatment for all parts. The industrial heat treatment process enhances mechanical properties such as wear resistance, toughness and hardness. This is an essential process, as each friction application demands a unique balance of these characteristics to work.

Industrial Heat Treatment Capabilities 

At FMC, our metallurgical expertise ensures that the most appropriate heat treatment

is chosen for every application. Our capabilities include:

1. Austempering
2. Quench and Tempering
3. Induction Hardening
4. Nitriding
5. Gas Oxy-Nitriding

Each of these processes offers distinct advantages, and each comes with its own considerations. With more than 35 years of manufacturing experience, FMC continues to help our customers select the optimum solution for their specific operational requirements.

Induction Hardening Treatments

In a recent tractor brake application, FMC induction hardened the spline to 50 HRC, providing the durability needed to withstand demanding operating conditions.

In the image below, you can find our automated induction hardening line, where a spline is hardened and quenched rapidly to increase tooth strength. The quality controls put in place here regulate surface hardness, core hardness and case depth.

Advancements in induction hardening technology now allow FMC to precisely control the heat-affected zone. This ensures that high-stress areas – for example, the root of the spline tooth – remain outside critical thermal zones, reducing the risk of fatigue failure and improving component longevity.

To guarantee this level of precision, FMC utilise advanced inspection techniques, including ultraviolet light analysis, to confirm process accuracy and consistency. 

In the next edition of our Manufacturing Insights series, we will continue our journey through FMC’s manufacturing facility in Nottingham, as we move to Cell 4, where the surface preparation of our steel discs begins.

Ready to choose the optimal metallurgical heat treatment for your next friction application? Contact the FMC team today to ensure peak performance and durability for all of your components.

FAQs

Q: Why is heat treatment important for industrial components?

A: Heat treatment is crucial for industrial components because it allows manufacturers to change the mechanical properties of metals and alloys. By carefully controlling heating and cooling cycles, properties such as hardness, strength, toughness, ductility, and wear resistance can be optimised for a specific application, ensuring component reliability, safety, and longevity.

Q: What are the typical stages of a heat treatment process?

A: While specific procedures vary, most heat treatment processes involve three core stages:

• Heating: Raising the metal to a specified temperature.
• Soaking: Holding the metal at that temperature for a set time to allow the internal structure to transform uniformly.
• Quenching: Lowering the temperature at a controlled rate, which determines the final properties of the metal.

Q: What are the current needs of the automotive industry heat treatment market?

A: The automotive industry heat treatment market is driven by the continuous need for lighter, stronger, and more durable components to improve fuel efficiency and safety. The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is currently driving demand for specific heat treatment solutions for battery components and specialised EV powertrain parts.

Q: What heat treatments are commonly used in the mining industry?

A: The mining industry relies heavily on heat treatments to enhance the performance and lifespan of essential equipment exposed to extreme wear and tear. Common heat treatments include carburising, nitriding, and through-hardening for components like drill bits, gears, crusher parts, and conveyor system components.