Description
The Hardening Edge
Unique Process:
Cold Work + Aging: Strain-hardened via 30–50% reduction, then aged at 480°C to lock in strength.
Surface Perfection: Post-hardening electropolishing removes micro-cracks, achieving Ra ≤0.2 µm.
Core Consistency: Uniform hardness gradient (±3 HRC) across full diameter.
Why It Outlasts Competitors:
| Challenge |
Hardened Rod |
Tool Steel |
Titanium |
| Saltwater Corrosion |
No pitting after 5+ years |
Rusts in months |
Excellent |
| Cost per Cycle |
$0.03 (food processing) |
$0.12 |
$0.45 |
| Replacement Frequency |
18–24 months (conveyor guides) |
6 months |
10+ years (low wear) |
Grades & Global Specs
Primary Alloys:
17-4 PH (630): HRC 45 | ASTM A564 | Perfect for aerospace fasteners.
Custom 440C: HRC 58 | AMS 5622 | Surgical tool-grade edge retention.
Duplex 1.4462: HRC 35 | EN 10088-3 | Chloride-heavy offshore use.
Certification Highlights:
Medical: ISO 5832-11 (implantable instrument compliance)
Food Safety: NSF/3-A 01-9 (no galling in meat/poultry lines)
Aviation: AS9100 Rev E (flight control rod compliance)
Performance Unlocked
Fatigue Resistance
Withstands 10⁷ cycles at 500 MPa stress (hydraulic pump rods).
Temperature Versatility
Stable from -50°C (freezer machinery) to 300°C (engine valve guides).
Custom Geometry
Cold-drawn diameters 1.5mm–120mm | Flats, grooves, or knurls on demand.
Industry-Specific Wins
1. Medical Robotics
Sterilizable forceps joints | MRI-compatible actuator rods
2. Sustainable Energy
Wind turbine pitch control pins | Hydrogen compressor shafts
3. Luxury Goods
Anti-magnetic watch stems | Designer eyewear hinges
4. Heavy Industry
Mining drill bushings | Paper mill dryer felt guides
Real-World Durability Proof
German Auto Supplier: “Switched to 17-4 PH rods for EV battery module clamps—zero fatigue failures in 100k+ units.”
Swiss Watchmaker: “440C rods in our chronograph mechanisms reduced service intervals from 5 to 10 years.”
Canadian Food Processor: “Duplex rods in our bone saws lasted 3x longer than tool steel, with no bacterial pitting.”
Fabricator’s Toolkit
Machining:
Carbide drills only | 60 m/min feed for 17-4 PH | Coolant mandatory.
Welding:
Avoid on hardened areas—opt for mechanical joints (spline, press-fit).
Finishing:
TiN or DLC coatings add 2–3x surface hardness (HV 2.000+).
