Induction Hardening for Aerospace Industry Components
The aerospace industry operates in an environment where failure is not an option. Every part — from a landing gear shaft to a turbine bearing — must perform reliably under extreme mechanical stress, vibration, and temperature variations.
Achieving such performance depends heavily on precise heat treatment — and induction hardening stands out as one of the most efficient, controllable, and repeatable processes for aerospace-grade materials.
At Thakur Induction, Ludhiana, we provide precision induction hardening and aerospace component heat treatment solutions that meet the industry’s highest metallurgical and quality standards, supporting manufacturers across Punjab and North India.
Why Induction Hardening Is Essential for Aerospace Components
Aerospace components are often made from high-strength alloys like 4140, 4340, 300M, and titanium, where performance depends on surface hardness, fatigue resistance, and dimensional integrity.
Induction hardening provides localized, repeatable, and distortion-free heat treatment, perfectly suited for aerospace applications where precision is critical.
Key Benefits:
- Superior Surface Hardness: Increases wear resistance for parts exposed to friction.
- Enhanced Fatigue Strength: Creates a compressive surface layer that resists micro-cracking under stress.
- Dimensional Stability: Localized heating prevents distortion — crucial for close-tolerance parts.
- Energy Efficiency: Induction heating is faster and cleaner than conventional furnaces.
- Process Control: Real-time temperature and dwell-time monitoring ensure repeatable quality.
Common Aerospace Components Hardened by Induction
At Thakur Induction, we treat a wide range of critical aerospace components requiring both surface strength and structural flexibility.
| Component | Material | Purpose of Hardening |
|---|---|---|
| Landing Gear Shafts | 4340 / 300M | Fatigue resistance under cyclic loads |
| Actuator Rods | EN24 / 4140 | Surface hardness and corrosion resistance |
| Bearing Races | 52100 / EN31 | High wear resistance |
| Gear Teeth (Helical & Spur) | 8620 / EN36 | Surface wear protection |
| Couplings & Pins | 4340 / 17-4PH | Strength and dimensional accuracy |
| Turbine Shafts | Nickel-based Alloys | Heat and fatigue strength |
The Induction Hardening Process for Aerospace Parts
The aerospace industry demands high repeatability, traceability, and tight control over every heat treatment parameter. At Thakur Induction, we follow a six-step precision process:
- Component Preparation: Surface cleaning removes oils, oxides, and contaminants to ensure uniform heat absorption.
- Coil Design & Setup: Custom induction coils are engineered for each part geometry — from slender rods to complex gear profiles.
- Induction Heating: High-frequency or medium-frequency current (10–100 kHz) generates localized heating at 850–950°C within seconds.
- Controlled Quenching: Polymer or water quenching is applied instantly for surface transformation without causing warping or cracks.
- Tempering: Tempering at 150–250°C relieves residual stresses and improves structural stability.
- Testing & Validation: Post-process hardness, case depth, and structural integrity are tested as per aerospace quality standards.
Technical Parameters for Aerospace Component Hardening
| Parameter | Range / Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 10–100 kHz (part-specific) |
| Surface Temperature | 850–950°C |
| Case Depth | 1.5–3.5 mm |
| Surface Hardness | 55–62 HRC (steel alloys) |
| Cooling Medium | 10% Polymer or Water |
| Temperature Control Tolerance | ±10°C |
Materials Used in Aerospace Heat Treatment
Aerospace components often use high-strength, low-weight materials that respond differently to induction hardening.
| Material | Typical Application | Post-Treatment Hardness (HRC) |
|---|---|---|
| 4340 Steel | Shafts, landing gear | 56–60 |
| 300M Alloy Steel | High-load structural parts | 58–62 |
| 4140 / 4150 | Actuators, pins | 55–60 |
| 17-4PH Stainless | Precision rods, linkages | 45–50 |
| Titanium Alloys (Ti-6Al-4V) | Lightweight aerospace structures | Modified surface hardening |
Challenges in Aerospace Heat Treatment — and How We Solve Them
Distortion or Warping
High-frequency heating can distort thin-walled parts. ✅ Solution: Rotational heating and uniform quenching ensure balanced stress distribution.
Surface Cracking
Occurs due to rapid temperature changes. ✅ Solution: Controlled polymer quenching and post-tempering to relieve residual stress.
Uneven Case Depth
Varying geometry can lead to inconsistent hardness. ✅ Solution: Advanced coil design simulations to ensure even heat distribution.
Conclusion: Precision Hardening for Aerospace Reliability
Aerospace components must withstand enormous mechanical loads, cyclic stress, and temperature extremes. Through induction hardening, we ensure accurate case depth control, crack-free and distortion-free results, and consistent hardness with metallurgical integrity.
At Thakur Induction, we deliver precision hardening solutions that support the performance, safety, and reliability demanded by the aerospace sector.
Looking for Aerospace Component Hardening?
Contact Thakur Induction, Ludhiana — specialists in precision alloy hardening, polymer quenching, and surface treatment for aerospace and industrial components.