Detroit Flame Hardening Co. does many things well, but one thing they excel at is flame hardening. In fact, they have built proprietary, only-at-Detroit-Flame post-processes that have truly set them apart as a master of flame hardening.
In general, during the flame hardening process, flames are directed carefully to the surface of a carbon or alloy metal and later quenched. But at this company, processes are a little more specialized. Here, their clients can choose a specific, targeted surface and receive high hardness only in that area. They flame harden using the hottest flames produced from oxygen, propylene, and acetylene (which they generate on site). Doing this successfully requires extensive knowledge of metals, the end application, and what gas to use at what temperature to achieve the correct case depth hardness. The unique process, the result of the more than 80 years of experience housed at the company, reduces the cost of treating the part, process time, and part distortion. To round out this process, the company designed a proprietary quenching method that may include water, oil, air, or synthetics.
The quenching method is not the only process that is highly unique to Detroit Flame Hardening. The company also boasts a specially adapted straightening press and an entire straightening department for flame hardening parts that require a bit of post-process attention to remain within specification. This department can accommodate straightening demands within .015″ TIR and is able to remove difficult “twists.” Additionally, the on-site precision straighteners can work with any cold precision straightening and some hot straightening.
After being hardened with the specialized flame hardening process, quenched with the proprietary quench method, and straightened with exclusively-adapted presses, parts undergo yet another unique Detroit process: a session with the company’s own Detroit Hardness Tester. This portable machine was engineered and manufactured by experts in metallurgy and has been rigorously pre-tested to ensure positive operation and reliable accuracy. The pocket-size design includes a steel ball, precisely weighted and shaped, that is dropped from a specific height to produce an accurate Rockwell C hardness reading. This design has made the Tester highly regarded by plants and machine shops.
Armed with this level of customized expertise, Detroit Flame Hardening has locations in Detroit, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, serving the entire USA with a focus on the automotive, aerospace, and military (as well as other) industries. Known for their cutting-edge solutions and innovations, this fourth-generation family business has delved deeply into the flame hardening process to better serve others.
Detroit Flame Hardening Co.
17644 Mount Elliott St.
Detroit, Michigan 48212
detroitflame@detroitflame.com
www.detroitflame.com
Main image: Matt Geddes, regional operations manager, flame hardening a roll at the Detroit location
