Tool and Die Induction Hardening Processes Explained

At Thakur Induction, Ludhiana, we specialize in tool and die induction hardening services for industries across Punjab and North India, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.

Where precision meets durability — that’s the power of induction hardening.

What Is Induction Hardening for Tools and Dies?

Induction hardening is a localized surface heat treatment process that strengthens the outer layer of a component while maintaining a tough and ductile core. For tools and dies, this ensures surface wear resistance, impact toughness, and dimensional precision — three factors that define tool life. The process uses an electromagnetic coil to generate heat rapidly on the tool surface, which is then quenched (cooled) to form a hard martensitic structure. The result is a tough core with a hard outer shell — ideal for resisting wear and fatigue.

Induction hardening is precision-engineered for precision tools.

Step-by-Step Process: Tool & Die Induction Hardening at Thakur Induction

At Thakur Induction, we employ custom-designed induction coils and digital process control systems to deliver uniform heating and exact case depths for every tool or die.

1. Pre-Cleaning and Preparation: All components are cleaned to remove oil, rust, or coatings that can affect heat transfer.
2. Induction Heating: The part is exposed to an alternating electromagnetic field generated by the coil. The surface reaches 850°C–1050°C, depending on the steel grade.
3. Quenching (Cooling Phase): Immediately after heating, the component is quenched with polymer or water, transforming the surface into martensite, achieving up to 62 HRC hardness.
4. Tempering (Optional): A low-temperature reheating process is used to relieve internal stresses while retaining surface hardness.
5. Hardness & Case Depth Testing: Final components undergo Rockwell, microhardness, and case depth verification to ensure quality consistency.

Every parameter — from power to frequency — is digitally monitored for precision.

Materials Commonly Used in Tool and Die Induction Hardening

Our expertise ensures optimal settings for every tool material.

Applications of Tool & Die Induction Hardening

Induction hardening is used across industries that rely on precision tools and forming dies.

• Punches, dies, and forming tools
• Forging hammers and molds
• Cutting blades and shear edges
• Pressing and stamping dies
• Tool holders and inserts
• Gear and spline cutting tools

Precision components built to last — powered by induction hardening.

Case Study: Induction Hardening for a Forging Die (H13 Steel)

A heavy machinery manufacturer in Ludhiana needed to increase the surface life and maintain dimensional accuracy of their H13 forging dies. Our process involved induction heating at 950°C with a 20 kHz medium-frequency coil, followed by an 8% polymer quench and tempering at 200°C for 1 hour.

• Achieved surface hardness: 60 HRC
• Case depth: 3.2 mm
• Die life improvement: 40%
• Result: Zero surface cracking or distortion. A longer-lasting die with precise geometry achieved through controlled induction.

Conclusion: Extending Tool Life Through Smart Heat Treatment

In the competitive world of precision manufacturing, durability and dimensional accuracy are key. Induction hardening provides both — ensuring that tools and dies perform longer, resist wear, and maintain cutting-edge precision. At Thakur Induction, we deliver repeatable, accurate, and defect-free hardening solutions for all types of tools and dies — setting new benchmarks for industrial heat treatment in Ludhiana and Punjab.

We don’t just harden tools — we harden your business advantage.