International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Pranav Kute, Drishika Gupta, Srushti Deshmane, Aditya Kapse, Shirsath Seema B, Dhiraj Deshmukh
Abstract: Industrial pressure valves frequently experience failure due to severe wear at the valve seat, a critical region with complex geometry. Conventional surface hardening techniques, such a induction hardening, often result in uneven hardness profiles, thermal distortion, and micro- cracking. This study proposes a novel, eco-friendly “Friction Hardening” process utilizing a custom-designed, CNC-mounted tool to achieve localized surface strengthening on stainless steel valve seats. The process utilizes frictional heat and contact pressure (approx. 15 MPa at 600 RPM) to induce severe plastic deformation and dynamic recrystallization in the surface layer. Preliminary analysis suggests this method can create a refined microstructural layer with significant hardness improvement and negligible geometric distortion, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional thermal hardening.
