Carburizing Heat Treatment for Your Custom CNC Parts
Carburizing heat treatment infuses carbon into steel or iron surfaces at high temperatures, enhancing hardness and wear resistance while maintaining a tough, ductile core.
How Steel and Iron Carburizing Works
Carburizing is a heat treatment process used to enhance the surface hardness of steel and iron components. The process begins by heating the metal to a high temperature, typically between 850°C and 950°C, in a carbon-rich environment.
This environment can be created using gas, liquid, or solid carbon sources. As the metal is heated, carbon atoms diffuse into the surface, increasing its carbon content.
After sufficient carbon penetration, the component is rapidly cooled or quenched, locking the carbon in place and creating a hard, wear-resistant outer layer while maintaining a tough, ductile core.
This dual-phase structure improves durability and performance.
Important Details to Get Perfect Carburized Parts
The six most important details to pay attention to during the carburizing process, which can significantly impact the final result.
Temperature Control
Maintaining precise temperatures (typically 850°C to 950°C) is crucial for effective carbon diffusion and achieving the desired case depth and hardness.
Carbon Potential
Regulating the carbon content in the carburizing atmosphere ensures consistent carbon uptake by the metal surface, affecting the final hardness and wear resistance.
Time Duration
The duration of exposure to the carburizing environment determines the depth of carbon penetration. Longer times increase case depth but must be balanced to avoid excessive grain growth.
Material Composition
The base material's composition affects its response to carburizing. Alloying elements like chromium, molybdenum, and nickel can influence hardenability and case depth.
Quenching Method
The cooling rate after carburizing impacts the hardness and microstructure of the case. Proper quenching media (oil, water, or air) should be selected based on the desired properties.
Atmosphere Control
Maintaining a controlled atmosphere prevents oxidation and decarburization, ensuring the surface quality and integrity of the carburized layer.
Types of Carburizing
Application of Carburized Parts
Carburizing Your Custom CNC Steel Parts with AT-Machining
Carburizing your custom CNC steel parts with AT-Machining ensures enhanced surface hardness and wear resistance, while maintaining core toughness. Our precision process guarantees optimal performance and durability for your high-stress applications, tailored to meet your specific engineering requirements.
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