I am a novice to your site, but would like to ask a question regarding
heat treatment of steels.
We currently machine high volume 12L14 & 11L17 steel components for
use in hydraulic cartidge valves. We have made these close tolerance
parts for many years for our customer. Last year our customer changed
its internal heat treat process by switching gases (I do not know what
gas they are using).
Since the switch they appear to have had problems with substantial
growth and distortion on the parts which has caused additional
problems for them in their diamond honing processes. They are
starting to point their finger to us saying that we have 'dull'
cutting tools that are imparting stresses that are causing the
problems that they encounter 'after' heat treatment. Our parts are in
tolerance when received by the customer.
Do you have any sources that may refer to growth patterns when steels
such as we are machining are case-hardened? I would like to do some
reading on this topic before the proverbial 'sh-t' hits the fan.
Thanks in advance.
Bob Ducanis
Marshall Manufacturing Corp.
Cape Canaveral, FL
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