The calculation of the hardness profile is a powerful tool for the selection of the right steel for a given purpose. Computer programs INC-PHATRAN and INDUCTER-B were formerly developed by the authors for the calculation of hardness profiles after heat treatment processes of low alloy and carbon steels. The first one simulates quenching as well as through hardening operations, and the second one models electromagnetic induction heat treatments processes. These codes make use of the SAE Standard 3406 in order to obtain the hardness profile, with enhanced regression coefficients recently obtained by the authors. The present work broadens the field of application of this method, allowing to apply it for low hardenability tool steels such as the ASTM O1 Tool Steel. The method used for the calculation of the hardness profile is here summarized, and an example of application is described, which shows good correspondence between the calculated and measured values.
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