If you had to describe Contour Hardening, Inc., in one phrase, it would be: Engineers solving problems. When a client encounters a part failure, this heat treater believes their work has just begun. Founded in 1986 by two engineers (one a metallurgical engineer and one a gear engineer), the company has been solving complex problems with unique, custom designed solutions ever since.
The first problem Contour’s two founding engineers solved was how to handle gears that have such irregular shapes but still need a high degree of case depth and pattern accuracy. What they created is the unique and patented Micropulse™ Process. In the ‘80s, their strategy was to build this advanced, computer-controlled induction heating technology into custom-designed induction hardening machines for OEM manufacturers and tier 1 suppliers. This patented process is a slightly different hardening solution than other available options. Specifically, this process prioritizes keeping the part below the critical temperature zone. Heat times can be controlled to the millisecond, and the time at which the part is above critical temperature can be as low as 0.15 seconds. In addition to this tight temperature control is the ability to use dual frequencies, which provides the custom solution the founding engineers sought after: A heat pattern that precisely contours to the surface of the part.
Equipment — or lack of customized equipment — is another problem to solve on Contour’s list. The company often functions as most commercial heat treaters do, receiving work to process in their on-site equipment. This equipment includes 12 case hardening machines and nitriding and ferritic nitrocarburizing machines. Custom designed equipment, however, also leaves the company’s Indiana or Mexico facilities and is delivered to clients as needed. This is because the company functions with the motto that pre-designed machines are not always best, and sometimes, you just have to build the machine around the part, not the part around the machine. This motto has led Contour to solve many a client’s failure with a unique, built-to-client-speculation machine, delivered on time.
What is Contour’s next set of problems to solve? In the upcoming years, the company is looking forward to providing solutions to bridge the gap between design constraints and manufacturing feasibility. Unmanned drones and electric vehicles are two of the key players in this area. On a broader scale, the company hopes to find a solution that fits the torque requirements of electric motors, as well as keeps the size of components small. Whatever the next problem may be, this group of engineers and heat treaters is prepared to tackle it.
Contour Hardening, Inc.
8401 Northwest Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46278
United States
nmerrell@contourhardening.com
www.contourhardening.com
Main image: Transmission gear above Curie temperature, contouring the surface
