It is important to look closer at the "fine points" of certain metallurgical phenomena and principles of heat treatment in the application of induction hardening to ensure optimal results.

We are reminded in many aspects of our lives today to read the "fine print" contained in manuals, warrantees, instructions, etc., so that we don't miss important information. Important information also is often overlooked in the science of metallurgy. While there is no fine print, there are metallurgical "fine points" and subtleties, which require paying close attention. In many cases, certain metallurgical phenomena and principles of heat treatment are incorrectly assumed or improperly used in induction hardening. It is important to look closer at the "fine points" of metallurgical theory to ensure optimal results. To illustrate this, following are additional examples to those discussed in Part 1 of this article (March 2005 IH).