Cylinder Wall Hardening Process Developed

Controlled Thermal Processing, Inc. announces the successful application of an induction hardening process to cylinder walls in a NASCAR racing engine. The process has potential applications in piston engines used in racing, marine, and aircraft applications. It can also be of use in over the road trucks.

CTP developed the process at the request of several NASCAR teams. The process uses both induction hardening and cryogenic processing to harden the cylinder wall surface to a depth of approximately .035 inches. The hardness of the cylinder wall surface is increased from the untreated hardness in the low HRc 20's to the mid HRc 50's. The hard layer develops a fine martensitic structure which is extremely wear resistant. This process is not a coating, but a hardening of the existing cylinder wall.

Several NASCAR teams are testing blocks with the cylinder walls hardened with this process. These teams hope to reduce cylinder wear and friction in the engine. There is no significant distortion to the engine block or cylinders. Preliminary tests indicate that no change in the honing process is necessary.