The Heat Treating Process
The last phase of the gear set production is heat treatment (case hardening). This is not a new approach to strengthening metal componentry and most clientele of the automotive industry would be familiar with the process of parts being dipped into a heat treating salt bath containing various elements but most importantly carbon.
The “Controlled Atmosphere” heat treatment process Pfitzner Performance Gearbox apply is a more precise and refined method from the original salt bath heat treating. Using a computer controlled atmosphere (furnace) where carbon and other elements are monitored and maintained at optimum levels via highly advanced software and sensors, ensures accurate and efficient heat treating, consistently producing a well hardened and strengthened product for Pfitzner customers.
High temperature levels are produced to attract and infuse carbon onto the surface of the product, penetrating to calculated design depths to harden it. “Rockwell” tests (an international standard of hardness testing) are performed at regular intervals with sacrificial components as a form of ongoing quality control.
Competitor Heat Treating Process
The basic heat treating technique is at times “hit and miss” given element levels fluctuate and more specifically carbon content is “guestimated” producing inconsistencies with this practice. Salt Bath techniques were developed pre the 1950’s and have not evolved since then.