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Tool Steel Induction Hardening Services in Ludhiana

Used in dies, punches, molds, and cutting tools, materials like D2, H13, and M2 require exceptional hardness and wear resistance to handle extreme mechanical stress.

Induction hardening of tool steel components

Why Induction Hardening for D2, H13, and M2 Steels?

Each tool steel grade has unique mechanical and chemical properties that make it suitable for specific applications. Here’s how induction hardening enhances their performance:

Tool SteelPropertiesEffect of Induction Hardening
D2 (High Carbon, High Chromium)Excellent wear resistanceImproves surface hardness to 58–62 HRC; perfect for dies and punches.
H13 (Chromium-Molybdenum Hot Work Steel)High thermal resistanceEnhances hot strength and fatigue life for forging dies and extrusion tools.
M2 (High-Speed Steel)Red hardness and toughnessIncreases wear resistance while preserving high-temperature performance.

The Tool Steel Hardening Process

  1. Pre-Inspection: Components are cleaned and checked for surface contaminants, geometry, and pre-machining tolerances.
  2. Induction Heating: The part’s surface is heated using a medium or high-frequency coil tuned to the material’s properties and section thickness.
  3. Controlled Quenching: Instant cooling through polymer or water quenching ensures rapid transformation to martensite without cracking.
  4. Tempering: Post-hardening tempering relieves internal stresses and refines hardness uniformity.
  5. Testing & Verification: Hardness and case depth are validated using Rockwell HRC and microstructural testing.

Heat Treatment Parameters for D2, H13, and M2 Steels

Steel TypeAustenitizing Temperature (°C)Quenching MediumTarget Hardness (HRC)
D21000–1050Polymer / Air58–62
H131020–1050Polymer / Air50–54
M21180–1220Polymer / Oil60–65

Benefits of Tool Steel Induction Hardening

  • Improved Surface Hardness: Increases resistance to wear and impact.
  • Localized Heating: Only functional zones are hardened, minimizing distortion.
  • Enhanced Tool Life: Reduces wear and micro-cracking in dies and punches.
  • Energy Efficiency: Lower power consumption compared to furnace hardening.
  • Consistent Results: Automated parameters for uniform hardness and depth.

Conclusion: Precision Hardening for High-Performance Tool Steels

Whether it’s D2 punches, H13 dies, or M2 cutting tools, induction hardening provides the perfect balance of strength, hardness, and thermal stability. At Thakur Induction, our tool steel induction hardening job work combines scientific precision, temperature control, and quenching expertise — ensuring tools last longer, perform better, and resist wear under extreme conditions.

Looking for Tool Steel Hardening Services?

Contact Thakur Induction today for D2, H13, and M2 induction heat treatment services in Ludhiana.