What Does
Carburizing Mean?
Carburizing is a procedure that hardens metal surfaces while letting the metal underneath remain soft. This leads to the formation of a thinner and harder layer of metal known as the surface case.
Carburizing is typically performed after a part has been constructed to its final form. It can also help in making element contents harder, such as in the case of pattern welding. This technique is highly beneficial in preventing corrosion in industries that utilize metals.
Carburizing is also known as surface hardening, case hardening or carburization.
Corrosionpedia Explains Carburizing
The process of carburizing involves the use of heat, where steel or iron absorbs a liberal amount of carbon. This takes place as the metal undergoes heating with the presence of materials that contain carbon, like carbon monoxide and charcoal. The purpose of this process is to make the metal harder and manageable.
The hardness of steel with low carbon content can be enhanced through the addition of carbon under a certain form of heat treatment. When successfully performed, it can improve the surface hardness of the steel.
Modern carburization techniques involve the application of carbon-bearing plasmas and gases, like methane and carbon dioxide. The most typical application takes place at low pressures within vacuum chambers.
With the development of this process, industries can benefit by having an efficient means to enhance the resistance of metals against corrosion. This could also enhance the corrosion resistance of materials by hardening and strengthening, which further increases corrosion resistance.