Carbonitriding is a surface hardening process for metals
by enriching their surface with carbon. This process can be used to increase the hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of metal products.
Carbonitriding is performed by heating a metal part in a carbon-bearing gas atmosphere under specific temperature and soaking time conditions. The carbon-bearing gas reacts with the metal surface, forming a carbon-rich layer. Depending on the carbonitriding conditions, this layer may range from a few micrometres to several millimetres in thickness.
Carbonitriding can be used to harden various types of metals, including steel, cast iron and stainless steel. The process is particularly useful for parts subjected to high loads and wear—for example gears, shafts, gear wheels and other machine and equipment components.
Carbonitriding can also be used to improve the corrosion resistance of metals. The carbon-rich layer formed during carbonitriding can act as a protective film that helps prevent corrosion.
Overall, carbonitriding is a useful process for increasing hardness,
wear resistance and corrosion resistance of metal products. It is used across many industries, including mechanical engineering, aviation, power generation and others.
Carbonitriding of gears, gear wheels or sprockets is carried out by saturating the surface layer of the metal with carbon. The process takes place at high temperature (typically 800 to 950 °C) in the presence of nitrogen and carbon. Carbides form as a result, producing a very hard, strong layer on the surface of the part.
Carbonitriding is used to improve the performance of gears and other components operating under high loads and friction. It increases wear resistance, reduces the likelihood of cracking and can lower surface roughness, which in turn improves operating efficiency. It can also extend service life and reduce replacement and maintenance costs.
Thus, carbonitriding is an important process for improving strength and wear resistance of gears, gear wheels, sprockets and other metal products that operate under severe conditions.