Method and apparatus for hardening a component or semi-finished product

US10266905B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG · DE

Inventors

• Sascha Sikora · Grafenau, DE
• Janko Banik · Altena, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 17, 2014
• Grant date: Apr 23, 2019
• Expiry date: Mar 19, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P10/25
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Example methods and apparatus for hardening a component or any semi-finished product formed from a steel workpiece that has been shaped in a shaping tool may involve introducing the component into a receiving region of a hardening tool. The hardening tool may then be closed around the component in a form-fitting manner so as to surround the component and maintain a substantially constant distance between the component and at least one induction coil integrated into the hardening tool. The induction coil of the hardening tool may then be used to heat the component. The component may then be cooled within the receiving region or by removing the component from the receiving region and exposing the component to air external to the receiving region.