Surface hardening makes it possible to obtain high wear resistance of components exposed to friction without the need for hardening the entire element, thereby reducing stresses and deformations as well as process costs. The electron beam, due to its ease of dynamic deflection and focusing as well as very high heating rates, makes it possible to obtain surface layers of required properties. The article presents results of metallographic tests and Vickers hardness tests of electron beam hardened shafts made of steel grade C45.  The hardening process resulted in the obtainment of layers having the thickness not exceeding 400 µm and hardness not exceeding 900 HV0.1.

DOI: 10.17729/ebis.2022.6/3