Carbonitriding

Carbonitriding represents a specialized form of surface hardening in metal processing. In this process, workpieces, usually made of steel, are subjected to a treatment in which both carbon and nitrogen are introduced into the surface of the material. The aim is to form a layer that has improved hardness and wear resistance.

The carbonitriding process takes place in a nitrogen-rich atmosphere at an elevated temperature. Carbon and nitrogen atoms diffuse into the outer layers of the workpiece and form nitrides and carbides. These compounds are responsible for the increased hardness and resistance to wear.

The resulting carbonitrided layers offer a number of advantages. The increased hardness makes the treated workpieces more resistant to abrasion and erosion. At the same time, fatigue strength is improved, which is particularly important in applications with dynamic loads. The precise control of the carbonitriding process makes it possible to vary the thickness and depth of the layer formed, depending on the specific requirements of the application. This makes the process adaptable for different materials and applications.

Carbonitriding layers are widely used in industry, particularly in sectors such as the automotive industry, tool manufacturing and the mechanical engineering industry. The improved mechanical properties help to increase the service life and performance of components in demanding environments.

Despite the benefits of carbonitriding, certain challenges must also be taken into account, such as the possible change in the dimensional accuracy of the workpieces during the process. Therefore, the application of carbonitriding coatings requires careful process control and quality control.