CASE HARDEN Meaning and
Definition
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Case harden is a metallurgical process that involves changing the surface properties of a material, typically metal, in order to make it more durable and resistant to wear and tear. This treatment is widely used in various industries that require materials with enhanced toughness and surface resistance.
During the case hardening process, a thin layer of hardening material, such as carbon or nitrogen, is introduced to the surface of the metal. This is commonly achieved through methods such as carburizing or nitriding. Carburizing involves exposing the material to a carbon-rich environment, either through heating in a carbon-containing atmosphere or by coating the surface with a carbon-rich compound. Nitriding, on the other hand, introduces nitrogen to the material's surface using various techniques.
The high carbon or nitrogen concentration near the surface of the material undergoes a chemical reaction, which forms a hardened layer known as a case. This case exhibits superior hardness and wear resistance compared to the inner core of the metal, which remains relatively softer, ductile, and less prone to cracking. The depth of the case can be controlled by the temperature, time, and composition of the hardening process.
Case hardening is commonly applied to a wide range of materials, including steels, cast irons, and some non-ferrous metals. It is often used in the manufacturing of gears, bearings, shafts, and other components that are subjected to high levels of stress and friction. By case hardening, manufacturers can significantly increase the lifespan and performance of these materials under demanding conditions.
Common Misspellings for CASE HARDEN
- caseharden
- case harden
- caese-harden
Etymology of CASE HARDEN
The word "case harden" comes from the two main components: "case" and "harden".
The term "case" in this context refers to the outer layer or surface of an object. It originated from the Latin word "capsa", meaning "box". Over time, "case" came to refer to various types of covers, sheaths, or outer layers.
"Harden", on the other hand, comes from the Old English word "heardian" which means "to make or become hard". The Old English term is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "harduz", meaning "hard" or "firm".
Therefore, when combined, "case harden" refers to a process of hardening just the outer layer or surface of an object, while the core remains relatively softer. This is often done to improve the durability, strength, and wear resistance of certain materials, such as metal.
