Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

Case hardening

ATHOMSON
What was/is the reason for case hardening instead of through hardening? Just a curiosity.

AT
0

Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • ATHOMSON
    Would some body please me the difference between Case Color and Case Hardening. I have read about using bone and other materials under high heat with gun parts to obtain the color . Would case color be like a powder coat? I was looking at a hand gun that was suppose to be case hardened but it was wearing off pretty bad and I was told it was a case color.
    0
  • MIKE WISKEY
    A GOOD COMPROMISE, HARD ON THE OUT SIDE AND TOUGH ON THE INSIDE.
    0
  • USN_Airdale
    quote:Originally posted by MIKE WISKEY
    A GOOD COMPROMISE, HARD ON THE OUT SIDE AND TOUGH ON THE INSIDE.


    THAT ! and besides.., it's purddy
    0
  • ATHOMSON
    quote:Originally posted by MIKE WISKEY
    A GOOD COMPROMISE, HARD ON THE OUT SIDE AND TOUGH ON THE INSIDE.


    So, basically they core harden to a certain rockwell for toughness with less embrittlement and then case the surface for hardness and exterior durability? Makes sense.

    AT
    0
  • tsr1965
    quote:Originally posted by ATHOMSON
    quote:Originally posted by MIKE WISKEY
    A GOOD COMPROMISE, HARD ON THE OUT SIDE AND TOUGH ON THE INSIDE.


    So, basically they core harden to a certain rockwell for toughness with less embrittlement and then case the surface for hardness and exterior durability? Makes sense.

    AT



    It goes something like that, or almost, I should say.

    It all depends on what steel alloy they are using, and what they are looking to do. They do try to make the reciever harder than most of the component parts, so the reciever does not wear out faster than for say the bolt, or slide. Lets just say it is a fine art to get the balance of durability, and eye poping beauty. If you want to see some really fine examples, google Doug Turnbll Restorations.

    EDIT 1

    beantown...

    nice looking rolling block action you got there. Who done the work on that?
    0
  • beantownshootah
    quote:Originally posted by ATHOMSON
    What was/is the reason for case hardening instead of through hardening? Just a curiosity.

    AT



    A. Biggest reason: It hardens the surface to prevent wear, but leaves the core soft(er) for flexibility/reduced brittleness.

    B. It can look nice (if done in such a way as to emphasize appearance).

    C. Depending on the part, it may be more practical (ie cheaper/easier) than hardening the entire thing.

    Rolling_Block_Color_Case_Hardening.jpg
    0
  • rhmc24
    Not mention that you can case harden iron or low carbon steel and have a much stronger and more durable part.

    I often make parts out of whatever steel is handy and if it needs to be durable I case harden it. Anyone can do it. There are products you can buy, Kasenit is one, that you heat the part to red and roll it in the powder, put the flame on it a few seconds to keep it red and let the carbon cook into it. Then quench it is water. It will be hard enough you can't file it.

    As others said, hard on the outside and whatever on the inside. It usually looks gray, not colored.
    0
  • He Dog
    Am I the only one that does not find it particularly attractive?[:0]
    0
  • v35
    Case hardening allows the manufacturer to use cheap, soft, low carbon steel which is a non hardenable grade. IT machines much easier than medium or high carbon or alloy steel, finishes better and produces less wear on tooling.
    The case hardening process adds carbon to the surface, converting the surface to a hardenable grade which can be hardened and not tempered, leaving it at about Rc 60. The core is not affected by the heat treatment and stays soft.
    Cyanide and color case hardening are two methods.
    Nitriding is a later method.
    Note that S&W (nonstainless) internal parts are all well finished and color case hardened.
    All kinds of cheap shotgun and old single shot rifle frames and tools were color cast hardened so I don't associate it with a high grade finish.
    However, Colts used a more complicated bone charcoal finish for a more decorative finish on their SAAs. Without it, an SAA doesn't look right to me. I would use the term appropriate rather than beautiful.
    0
  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by He Dog
    Am I the only one that does not find it particularly attractive?[:0]


    Yes.
    0
  • Don McManus
    quote:Originally posted by He Dog
    Am I the only one that does not find it particularly attractive?[:0]

    No
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity