A study surface layer and hardness produced by induction hardened S45C steel

A cylinder of Carbon Steel S45C with a ferrite and pearlite structure was analysed to improve the hardness and surface layer as well as the toughness. Accordingly, it is important to undertake a heat treatment process for the hardness and surface layer of this steel. The heat teatment process was carried out using induction heating with five different temperatures of 800°C, 900°C, 1000°C, 1100°C and 1200 °C followed by water quenching with certain cooling speed. The chemical compositions and microstructures of these samples were characterized by spectrometer and optical microscopy. The microhardness of the samples was measured and the surface treatment of the samples was examined using an induction heating furnace. The results showed significant case depth and surface hardness as well as microstructure with martensite and retained austenite that is hard and brittle because of internal stress. Further, to reduce the amount of retained austenite and internal stress, it is necessary to carry out tempering of 300°C, 500°C and 700°C in order to produce toughness of the steel with slightly reduce in hardness.