Flame Hardening Chucks: A Unique Process in Need of a Unique Chuck

A process that improves the quality of steel and iron needs and deserves the highest quality of special workholding. Flame hardening is that process, and pairing it with a specially made Magna-Lock USA chuck is the way to go for your workholding.

The flame hardening process is the process of melting steel or casting iron to its austenitizing temperature. When the metal hits this point, the outer edge of the piece is changed, while the inside of the piece stays solid and unchanged.

At this point, the surface is to be quenched with liquid, making the metal harden and become less susceptible to wear and corrosion. The process has a shorter processing time than other types of hardening, provides a higher hardness than unhardened metals, and is also somewhat cost-effective.

This process also needs a special type of chuck to hold the piece while being hardened, with Magna-Lock USA chucks fitting the bill. With heat involved along with liquid, the workholding device needs to have a thicker top plate than a normal chuck. The increased thickness adds approximately three inches to the overall thickness of the chuck.

Additionally, the chuck needs to be completely liquid proof and remain dry in complete submersion. Magna-Lock USA chucks can do that. They are sealed to become waterproof with a special sealant inside the chuck, further protecting the coils inside.

Our engineering team has perfected the design of flame hardening chucks, adding them to our HR series of electromagnetic chucks. Check out our website HERE for more information on our flame hardening chucks, including specs, or you can give us a call at 815-962-8700.

Obsidian Manufacturing Industries, Inc. is a Rockford, IL, manufacturing company and is the OEM for Magna-Lock USA workholding, MagnaLift & Power-Grip lift magnets, and Arter Precision Grinding Machines, as well as providing surface grinding services. They are located at 5015 28th Ave. in Rockford, IL, with a phone number of 815-962-8700. Check out more at obsidianmfg.com/brands