Induction Hardening
Kocurek specialises in CNC induction hardening for excavator and equipment pins. Using controlled induction heating and rapid quenching, we increase surface hardness and wear resistance while retaining a tough core.
Specialist Induction Hardening Service
What is Induction Hardening?
Induction hardening is a heat treatment that creates a harder surface on a suitable metal component while retaining toughness within its core.
For equipment pins, this helps resist wear where parts repeatedly contact and move against one another. The treatment must suit the material, pin design and working requirements.
Kocurek developed its induction hardening capability around the pins used within its specialist equipment range. Our programmable system allows the heating and cooling process to be controlled, while testing provides a record for each treated component.
CNC Induction Hardening Process
Kocurek’s in-house CNC induction hardening system uses controlled heating and rapid cooling to harden the surface of suitable equipment pins.
A copper induction coil generates heat within the metal. A quenching coil follows closely behind, cooling the heated area with a polymer and water mixture.
Programmable controls manage the process to support consistent treatment. The resulting hardened surface helps improve wear resistance while retaining toughness within the pin’s core.
Pin Hardening Capacity and Hardness Testing
Our equipment accommodates pins up to 160mm in diameter and 1,500mm long.
Following research and testing of pins used within Kocurek’s equipment range, our treatment targets are:
Surface hardness: 58-60 HRC.
Hardened depth: 3-5mm.
Every pin is hardness tested after treatment. Each has its own identifier, with the result recorded against it for traceability.
The achievable specification depends on the material and component requirements. Contact our after-sales team to discuss suitability.
Benefits of Induction Hardening for Equipment Pins
Induction hardening strengthens the working surface of suitable pins while retaining toughness within the core which is crucial for construction machinery such as excavator equipment and attachments.
Benefits include:
Improved wear resistance: a harder surface helps withstand repeated contact between moving components.
Targeted treatment: controlled heating allows specified areas to be hardened.
Core toughness: surface hardening preserves the core’s ability to absorb loads.
Efficient processing: rapid heating and quenching support shorter treatment cycles.
Limited distortion: localised heating helps reduce dimensional changes, although further finishing may still be required.
Fatigue resistance: suitable treatment can improve resistance to cracking under repeated loading.
The results depend on the material, pin design and treatment specification. Our team can assess these details to confirm a suitable approach.
Induction hardening tailored to your equipment
Induction Hardening to Suit Your Equipment Pins
The right hardening treatment depends on the pin’s material, dimensions and intended use. Kocurek can review your specification and advise on suitable surface hardness, treatment depth and the areas to be hardened.
Our team of experts will be happy to assess existing pins ready for treatment or discuss the hardening requirements for new components requested.
Engineering Capability Routes
Related Engineering Capabilities
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Plasma Cutting
Precision cutting of sheet metal and plate to create parts and profiles for excavator equipment and bespoke engineering projects.
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Oxy Fuel Cutting
Cutting thick steel plate into the shapes needed for heavy engineering components, excavator modifications and fabricated structures.
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CNC Machine Shop
Kocurek’s dedicated machine shop combines skilled operatives with CNC machinery, manual lathes and pin grinding equipment to produce a steady flow of parts to individual design specifications.
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Fabrication & Welding
Skilled fabrication and welding sit at the heart of our manufacturing process, allowing us to create strong, reliable structures for specialist front end equipment, modifications and bespoke builds.
Discuss your induction hardening
Speak To An Induction Hardening Specialist
Contact Kocurek for induction hardening backed by specialist excavator engineering experience. Our team of experts can confirm treatment suitability, answer your technical questions and provide a quotation upon request
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