Case hardening is the process of adding a thin layer of a stronger metal alloy to the surface of a metal object to increase its durability and lifespan. This process has been used for centuries to make objects such as horseshoes and kitchen utensils more durable. The addition of carbon to the surface of iron products has also been common, making them stronger and preventing deterioration over time. Case hardening is commonly used in the construction of buildings and machine components, and helps ensure the safety of humans and animals using the reinforced metal objects.
Also known as surface hardening, case hardening is a process in which the surface of a metal is strengthened by adding a thin top layer of another, usually stronger metal alloy. The idea behind this process is usually to extend the life of the object, allowing the user to get more value out of the purchase. This can be particularly important in the manufacture of machine components, although the process is also used with wire mesh, fences and decorative metalwork manufactured for outdoor use.
Cementing has been around for many centuries and was often used as a means of making horseshoes and various types of kitchen utensils that would stand up to a great deal of wear. This often involves using a low carbon metal and pairing it with a metal with a higher carbon content. The combination tended to make the final product much harder, as metals with a high carbon content tend to be quite brittle when forged. The addition of the low carbon metal created a material that could be easily molded into any shape desired. When the metal cooled, the shape was set and the strength of the object was ensured.
Over the years, the addition of carbon to the surface of iron products has been common. The surface not only helps add strength to the iron object, but also helps prevent the iron from deteriorating over time. As a result, items such as fireplace tools, cast iron pots and even frying pans would remain usable for longer periods of time, often making it possible to pass the items down to the next generation.
In addition to making metal objects stronger and more durable, the case-hardening process also helps ensure that anything constructed using the reinforced metal is safe for continued use. This can be particularly important when the metal object has a direct impact on the well-being of a human or other living being. For example, a cemented horseshoe does not wear unevenly, which means that the shoe provides the horse with greater stability. Since the chances of the shoe breaking are very low, this means that it is highly unlikely that anyone riding the horse will be thrown by a shoe that snaps in two and causes the horse to suddenly change stride.
Cementing is commonly employed when creating materials for use in the construction of different types of buildings. Beams, metal panels, and even metal doors are all reinforced this way. While steel and iron are the most common metals used in this type of process, some experimentation has been done with the use of other low- and high-carbon metals.
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