8620 is commonly used for gears, pinions and transmission parts that will be carburized. This treatment creates a hard outer layer while keeping the centre tougher and less brittle.
The hard surface helps resist wear. The tougher centre supports the load and handles impact.
8620 is therefore bought for a different purpose from shaft steels that need strength throughout the part. Its main value comes from the finished case-hardened component.
Allow for Heat Treatment and Grinding
Most machining is done before carburizing. Important surfaces may then be ground to their final size.
A few drawing details make a big difference:
| Detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Required case depth | Defines how deep the hardened layer must be |
| Extra material for finishing | Allows correction after heat treatment |
| Areas that must stay unhardened | Identifies surfaces that need protection during carburizing |
Grinding removes some of the hardened layer. The finishing allowance must leave enough case depth on the completed part.
Blanks for Repeat Production
For repeated gear orders, consistent blank sizes help keep machine setups predictable. Cut blanks can also reduce handling and offcuts.
Dexter Steel can quote cutting and specified processing from your drawing. Knowing which steps happen before and after carburizing helps us prepare the right starting stock.
