Hardening PROCESS

Bainitic hardening is a hardening technique that has developed in the last decades and is particularly used in the spring industry. By combining technological processes and cooling techniques, it is possible to refine the microstructure to achieve favorable hardness levels for some very specific applications. Depending on the cooling rate and alloy composition, austenite can transform into different states and microstructures. Martensite is a hard and brittle state, but can be tempered to achieve high strength. At lower temperatures, the diffusion of carbon slows down, resulting in a fine and complex microstructure called bainite. During the transformation to bainite, ferrite formation increases, and when the carbon concentration is sufficiently high, cementite is formed.

Traditionally, bainitization has been carried out using the salt bath process. About 25 years ago, when the old salt bath technique lost its importance for reasons of pollution, safety and environmental protection, the interest in bainite curing also declined. Times have changed, modern salt bath facilities are fully enclosed and safe. The composition of salts has been changed to meet ecological requirements, and used salts can now be recycled.

In our plant in Nove Zamky we have 2 hardening lines focused on bainitic hardening. Motivated employees and competent technical support ensure high quality and professional execution of this unique process. In the last ten years we have processed many parts for our customers, mainly from the automotive industry, with very positive feedback from the market. The demand for this special process is generally increasing, which shows us that this technology will continue to be in demand and beneficial in the future.

The parts are supplied either as bulk material or as position-oriented parts in strict sequence. Our manufacturing expertise also includes appropriate hardness measurements.