Hardening technology
Process stability and component quality in demanding heat treatment processes
Whether induction hardening, case hardening or bainitising – thermochemical processes place the highest demands on the process media. In hardening shops, forges and metalworking plants, quenching oils, salt baths and protective pastes must remain stable, oxidation-resistant and consistently effective across a wide temperature range – whilst ensuring maximum process reliability, repeatability and part quality.
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Product groups: Hardening technology
laemmle-chemicals provides a range of process media tailored to the requirements of hardening technology. The selection of suitable media supports controlled heat dissipation and reproducible process conditions. This helps to reduce the risk of cracking and warping and enables defined microstructural and hardness properties to be achieved more precisely – even with complex geometries, short cycle times or high batch densities.
PETROFER distribution partners in Switzerland
To meet the requirements of hardening technology, LAEMMLE Chemicals, as a Swiss PETROFER distribution partner, has been offering selected products and process chemicals for heat treatment since May 2023. The range includes media and products for oil and polymer quenching processes as well as salt bath processes. These support reliable heat treatment and enable the targeted control of desired metallurgical properties such as hardness, microstructure and dimensional stability. Advice, technical support and a reliable supply are provided by LAEMMLE Chemicals.
View laemmle-chemicals on the official PETROFER partner page
Technical requirements for heat treatment
Hardening processes such as oil quenching or salt baths generate extreme thermal stresses, which require uniform heat dissipation and a controlled reaction with the component surface. The lubricants and process media must therefore:
- retain constant thermophysical properties over many cycles,
- vaporise or burn with minimal residue,
- exhibit low susceptibility to oxidation and ageing,
- be compatible with the components and safe to install.
This is the only way to achieve a stable and reproducible heat treatment process with the desired metallurgical properties – from single-piece production to series production.
Applications and solutions for heat treatment facilities
- Reproducible hardening profiles in oil quenching processes: High-performance quenching oils with low viscosity and controlled cooling characteristics ensure uniform hardening and heat dissipation, reduce thermal stresses and vapour bubble formation, and thereby minimise the risk of cracks and distortion – even with complex geometries.
- Cost-effective quenching for varying geometries: Water-miscible, polymer-based quenching media offer customisable cooling behaviour and high thermal stability – ideal for rotationally symmetrical components and automated systems handling a variety of materials. Low-residue, environmentally friendly and reusable.
- Uniform temperature control in salt bath processes: Nitrite-free hardening salts with high thermal conductivity ensure even temperature distribution during bainitic quenching or intermediate tempering – for reliable microstructure formation with minimal cleaning effort.
- Reliable surface protection for selective hardening and high-temperature processes: Ready-to-use protective pastes specifically protect exposed component areas from oxidation, decarburisation and microstructural changes. They ensure dimensional accuracy and surface quality during selective hardening processes and process steps subject to high thermal stress – even with complex geometries and tight tolerances.
Services for reproducible heat treatment processes
- Technical advice and condition monitoring: Dedicated contacts are on hand to advise you on product selection, process changes and optimisations. Oil analyses enable well-informed decisions to improve efficiency, extend service life and minimise risk.
- Service, maintenance and repair: The digital Roxor Machine Tool (RMT) simplifies planning, documentation and condition monitoring. In addition, professional oil sampling, the hire of hydraulic oil filtration systems and other on-site services ensure smooth operation – even for complex machine fleets.
- Optimised lubricant logistics: Availability tailored to your needs and flexible delivery concepts ensure a continuous supply of lubricants for uninterrupted production processes.
- Sustainable disposal: Efficient used oil collection processes enable resource-efficient production cycles and legally compliant lubricant disposal.
Durable media for reproducible hardening processes. Our specialists will be happy to advise you on the right solution for your heat treatment.
Coolant management
In collaboration with Brisco Systems, we ensure that your machine tools are supplied with the optimum amount of cooling lubricant at all times. This enhances process reliability in your operation – even during unmanned shifts. Thanks to comprehensive real-time monitoring, all relevant KSS parameters – such as pH, concentration, electrical conductivity, temperature and bacterial growth – are precisely controlled. The result: reduced tooling costs and lower KSS consumption ensure more cost-effective operation. We would be happy to advise you on request and demonstrate pilot systems in action so that you can see the benefits for yourself.
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