Abstract: An apparatus (20) for induction heat treating, restraint quenching, and straightening an associated carbon steel truck structural member (30), having a web (32) and at least one flange (34) substantially perpendicular thereto, comprises a heat treating apparatus (22) for induction heating and restraint quenching the associated structural member (30). The heat treating apparatus (22) is operatively connected to a cooling conveyor (50). The cooling conveyor (50) is adapted for receiving the associated structural member (30) from the heat treating apparatus (22). A testing apparatus (24) is included for hardness testing the heat treated associated structural member. The testing apparatus (24) is adapted for receiving the associated structural member (30) from the cooling conveyor (52). A conveyor (54) is adapted for receiving the associated structural member (30) from the testing apparatus (24). A roller straightener (26) is operatively connected to the conveyor (54).

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for induction heat treating, restraint quenching, and straightening an associated carbon steel truck structural member (30), having a web (32) and at least one flange (34) substantially perpendicular thereto, comprises a heat treating apparatus (22) for induction heating and restraint quenching the associated structural member (30). The heat treating apparatus (22) is operatively connected to a cooling conveyor (50). The cooling conveyor (50) is adapted for receiving the associated structural member (30) from the heat treating apparatus (22). A testing apparatus (24) is included for hardness testing the heat treated associated structural member. The testing apparatus (24) is adapted for receiving the associated structural member (30) from the cooling conveyor (52). A conveyor (54) is adapted for receiving the associated structural member (30) from the testing apparatus (24). A roller straightener (26) is operatively connected to the conveyor (54).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of induction heat treating and restraint quenching structural members, particularly those of low carbon alloy steel (lean content), to a uniform martensitic structure, such that distortion of the member due to rapid quenching is controlled. The members would generally be of a channel shape and they would be heated by induction preheating in several stages to austenitizing temperature, namely 1450.degree. to 1750.degree. F., and then liquid quenching the channel member and restraining the channel on both its web and its flanges to below 900.degree. F. to minimize distortion and then tempering the channel at a temperature of 750.degree. to 1000.degree. F. and again restraining it while cooling to avoid distortion. These would generally be truck side rails and they would be low carbon alloy steels (lean content), approximate carbon content of 0.22-30%, manganese 1.00 to 1.35%, sulfur 0.05% max., phosphorus 0.04% max.