Case hardening with subsequent hardening operation

Case hardening is the process of hardening the surface of a metal by infusing elements into the material’s surface, forming a thin layer of harder alloy.

Combined with a subsequent hardening operation the desired component properties can be varied to suit the application.

Atmospheric carburising

Carburising is a case hardening process that increases wear resistence, surface hardness and fatigue strength by creating a hardened surface layer and a tough core.

Low pressure carburising (LPC)

A case hardening process carried out at a very low pressure and elevated temperature to obtain a hardened surface layer of tempered martensite and a tough core.

Boriding

Boriding is a thermochemical surface treatment in which boron atoms are diffused into the surface of a workpiece to form borides with the base material.

Carbonitriding

Carbonitriding is an austenitic case hardening process similar to carburising. The addition of nitrogen creates a hardened surface layer increasing wear resistance.