Heat treating

Steel is made up of crystals arranged and organized in what is known as a microstructure. Its composition is the primary factor in any metals mechanical properties (strength, hardness, etc…). Heat treatment is an effective way of manipulating the microstructure in order to change the materials mechanical properties. In the case of blades, the metal is heated to extreme temperatures and rapidly cooled or “quenched”. This process reorganizes the crystals in the microstructure, hardening and strengthening the steel, greatly improving its wear life.

After quenching, the blades are very hard and strong; however, further heat treatment known as tempering ensures toughness and ductility in the material. This three step process yields the best combination of impact resistance and long wear life. Once heat treated, all products bearing the VALLITE or VALCAST trade names have been processed according to the method explained above.

CNC

By far the most dominant force changing the metal working industry today is CNC technology. CNC or Computer Numerically Controlled machines receive their instructions directly from a computer which is programmed with the geometry and commands necessary to process the part.

 These machines are very well suited to high production environments as repetitive tasks are carried out at consistent rates on a daily basis. Valley Blades employs many CNC technologies such as plasma and saw cutting, boring and machining. Even punching uses the benefits of CNC technology.

Solid Modeling

Three dimensional solid modeling is a technique of drafting allowing the operator to manipulate objects in 3D space.

 Keeping up with rapidly changing technology in the field of CAD (computer assisted design) software has allowed Valley Blades the opportunity to design more geometrically complex products. These designs ensure that wear material is located in critical areas of the part, increasing wear life and reducing the amount of “throw away” material. Embracing this technology translates into a more cost effective product offering for our customers.