Kolsterising®

Kolsterising® is a proprietary Bodycote diffusion process which enhances the mechanical properties of austenitic and duplex stainless steel, nickel base and cobalt chromium alloys without affecting the good corrosion resistance of the base material. The process introduces massive amounts of ‘carbon‘ into the ‘austenitic‘ structure and leads to the formation of what is called S-phase or expanded austenite.

As a result, the steel surface gets 4-5 times harder (900-1200HV) than the untreated material and finally leads to an increase in wear resistance, fatigue life, erosion and cavitation resistance. Diffusion depth up to 50µm can be obtained without lowering the corrosion resistance or affecting the magnetic properties of the base material. As a positive side effect the tendency of galling or fretting will be eliminated.

The Kolsterising® process has no effect on the size, shape, colour or roughness of the treated parts.

Numerous applications for Kolsterised steel components and parts can be found in the food & beverage industry, in chemical production equipment, medical devices, offshore drilling equipment, oil & gas and automotive industry.