- CARBURIZING -

Carburizing is a process of controlled diffusion of carbon into the surface of a component, followed by quenching and tempering, with the objective of increasing a component’s surface hardness. The process is generally applicable to low carbon and low alloy steels. There are two carburizing process types available commercially: vacuum carburizing and conventional carburizing.

In conventional carburizing, ferrous alloys are heated to above their transformation temperature and exposed to a carbon-rich atmosphere. Processing temperatures in conventional carburizing are typically in the 1450°F – 1900°F (790°C – 1040°C) range. The diffusion of carbon into the part and the subsequent quench results in a part with a hard, wear-resistant surface and a tough, shock-resistant core.

Vacuum carburizing is a state-of-the-art thermal process where carburizing is achieved under very low pressures. First, the parts are heated in a vacuum to above the transformation temperature of the alloy. Then, they are exposed to carbon-carrying gas, or gas mixtures, under partial pressure.