Carbonitriding
Carbonitriding is a metal heat treatment process used to improve the surface properties of certain metal parts. It involves the introduction of carbon and nitrogen into the surface of a metal object through a process of controlled temperature heating. This process alters the microstructure of the metal and increases resistance to wear, fatigue and corrosion. Carbonitrided metal parts are used in a variety of applications such as automotive, aerospace, defense and commercial applications.
Carbonitriding is essentially a form of surface hardening, in which one of the elements, nitrogen or carbon, is introduced into the metal surface and diffused at an elevated temperature. This creates new molecular bonds and hardens the material without need for additional hardeners. It also increases wear resistance, fatigue strength and resistance to corrosion.
The carbonitriding process begins with the preparation of the metal part. This involves the removal of any preexisting surface coatings such as paint, plating, or corrosion and oxidation. Next, the metal must be heated to a specific temperature in order to allow for the diffusion of the carbon and nitrogen into the material. The exact temperature for this process depends on the desired outcome and the material that is being worked on. Once the temperature has been reached, the carbon and nitrogen atoms diffuse into the metal surface and form a new microstructure at the atomic level.
Once the carbonitriding process is complete, the part is often coated or treated with another material. This will enhance resistance to corrosion and oxidation, and improve overall wear resistance. The part can then be put into service and will provide maximum performance against wear and fatigue.
Carbonitriding has applications in many industries, such as automotive, aerospace, defense, medical device and commercial products. The process enhances the performance of parts by strengthening the material and increasing resistance to wear, fatigue and corrosion. Additionally, it can be used to increase the hardness of some materials, which makes them more suitable for certain applications.
Carbonitriding is often used in the production of gear sets, cams and camshafts, and engine components such as pistons and valves. It is also used to harden sprockets, transmission gears, rollers and hubs. In the automotive industry, it is used to harden drive shafts, differential gears, and other components. In the aerospace industry, it is used to harden components such as thrust reversers, actuators, valves and turbine engines. In medical device manufacturing, it is used to harden components for implants, prosthetics and surgical tools.
Carbonitriding is a relatively simple process that can provide great benefits. With the proper preparation and maintenance, carbonitrided parts can provide superior performance and reliability. This process can be used to improve the performance of components in a variety of industries, and is an important tool for improving the reliability and performance of components in various applications.
