Cementációja

Cementációja is a Hungarian term referring to the process of cementation. In metallurgy, cementation is a thermochemical process used to harden the surface of a metal, typically steel, by diffusing carbon into it. This is achieved by heating the metal in a solid, liquid, or gaseous environment rich in carbon. The carbon atoms then migrate into the crystal lattice of the iron, forming carbides and increasing the hardness, wear resistance, and tensile strength of the surface layer. The depth of the hardened layer depends on the temperature, duration of the process, and the carbon potential of the environment.

Cementation is a controlled process. The core of the material retains its original ductility and toughness, while the surface becomes hardened. This differential hardening is advantageous for applications requiring both strength and impact resistance. Common applications include gears, camshafts, bearings, and tools where high wear resistance on the surface is critical. The carbon-rich environment can be created using materials like charcoal, carbon black, or specific gases such as methane or carbon monoxide. After cementation, a hardening process, often involving quenching and tempering, is typically performed to achieve the desired final properties. The term cementációja in Hungarian encompasses this entire surface hardening technique.