Carburizing and carbonitriding process

Carburizing is a thermochemical process that enriches the steel surface with carbon to improve hardness, strength and wear resistance.

Parts are heated above the AC3 temperature in a controlled carburizing atmosphere and maintained for a defined time to achieve the desired case depth.

Carbonitriding is a related process in which both carbon and nitrogen diffuse into the surface. Nitrogen is typically supplied by ammonia, increasing hardenability, heat resistance and wear performance.
After carburizing or carbonitriding, parts are quenched (gas, salt, oil or water) to harden both surface and core. The higher carbon content at the surface improves achievable hardness and increases mechanical resistance.

Temperature profile of carburizing process

Carburizing and carbonitriding require controlled process parameters:

Temperature range: 750 °C to 1050 °C
Most common range: 800 °C to 930 °C
Atmospheres: Nitrogen/methanol or endogas; ammonia for carbonitriding
Quenching: Gas, oil, water or salt bath depending on the desired properties

Precise control of the atmosphere and heating time ensures the correct carbon potential and a homogeneous case depth.

Technical principles carburizing and carbonitriding

Carburizing and carbonitriding aim to improve the mechanical performance of steel components subject to fatigue, high loads and wear.

Increased surface hardness
Improved core toughness
Higher wear resistance
Adjustable case depth depending on the application

These thermochemical treatments enhance durability and performance, particularly for components subjected to dynamic loads.

Codere expertise in carburizing and carbonitriding process

Codere designs and manufactures furnaces dedicated to high-quality carburizing and carbonitriding, ensuring consistent results and complete process control.

Carburizing within Codere systems guarantees repeatable metallurgical results even on complex geometries or sensitive parts.

Codere strengths