Manufacturing Process Selection Handbook

Chapter 9

Surface Engineering Processes

9.1 Carburising

Process Description

A variety of processes used to diffuse extra carbon (up to 0.8%) into the surface of steels that initially have low carbon content by heating to a temperature at which austenite in the steel has a high solubility for carbon introduced into the process atmosphere. Subsequent quenching creates a hard martensitic structure in the surface layer, maintaining a ductile core in the part (Figure 9.1).

Figure 9.1 Carburising.

Materials

Wide range of steel compositions, but generally low carbon steel and low alloy steels where carbon content is less than 0.2%.

Process Variations ...