Carburizing
Superficial enrichment of metal with Carbon to increase resistance.
Pros
Cons
This thermochemical treatment is an enrichment of a metal surface with carbon, this increases its resistance to wear and fatigue because it creates a superficial layer of martensite.
The phases of this treatment are:
- Superficial carbon enrichment
- Oil quench
- Tempering
It is performed in controlled atmosphere by using mixes of gas (methane, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon vapors etc.).
Common usages
It enhances the superficial resistance of a piece, usually the carburized pieces are subject to rubbing and wear such as gears, joints, lathe chucks, joints.
It is done on steel with an appropriate chemical composition, therefore steels containing C<0.20% or elements such as Manganese that helps Carbon absorption.
