Method and device for partially hardening semifinished products

US10378089B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Sascha Sikora · Grafenau, DE
• Jörg Gorschlüter · Hamm, DE
• David Pieronek · Dortmund, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 18, 2014
• Grant date: Aug 13, 2019
• Expiry date: Sep 5, 2035

Classification

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

Abstract

Methods for using a mold to partially harden semifinished products, which are comprised of hardenable steel and have at least partially an open-profile or closed-profile cross section, may involve a number of steps. For example, such methods may involve heating regions of a semifinished product above an AC1 temperature, positioning the semifinished producing in a mold, positioning an active mold cooling element adjacent to or in contact with the heated regions of the semifinished product, and cooling the regions of the semifinished product at a defined cooling rate so that a hardened microstructure in the cooled regions. These methods and corresponding devices provide low cost solutions that dispense with complete hardening of semifinished products and/or employing welded connections to provide various mechanical properties.