Carbonitriding is a thermochemical surface heat treatment that enriches the outer layer of steel with both carbon and nitrogen, increasing surface hardness.
The process improves resistance to adhesive and abrasive wear as well as to galling, making it particularly suitable for small components requiring thin and uniform hardened layers.
The treatment is applied to low and medium carbon steels, with a carbon content between 0.05% and 0.30%.
CHARACTERISTICS
Type of treatment:
Thermochemical surface heat treatment
Case depth:
Effective case depth is defined according to hardness penetration classes (Cnt – UNI 5479:1999), typically ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 mm.
Process description:
the process involves heating in chamber furnaces at temperatures between 750 and 850°C.
During treatment, carbon and nitrogen diffuse into the surface layer through a carbon- and nitrogen-rich atmosphere composed of methane or hydrocarbons and ammonia.
The case depth is controlled by the holding time at temperature.
The cycle is followed by oil quenching and tempering.
ADVANTAGES
- Increased resistance to wear and galling
- Improved fatigue resistance
PROCESSABLE MATERIALS
- low-carbon non-alloy steels (Fe360)
- carbon steels (C10, C15, C20)
- steels for fasteners and small precision components
EQUIPMENT
Total number of furnaces: 3
- No. 2 furnaces 600 mm x 600 mm x 1000 mm
- No. 1 furnace 700 mm x 900 mm x 1400 mm
Operating temperature range: from 200 to 1000°C
APPLICATION EXAMPLES
Industrial
Earthmoving equipment
- bushings, pins and dowels in C10 and C15