VacuumCarburieren

Vacuum carburizing is a heat treatment process used to introduce carbon into the surface of a metal part. It combines carburizing with vacuum technology. The process takes place in a vacuum furnace, which is heated to high temperatures, typically between 900 and 1050 degrees Celsius. A carbon-rich gas, such as propane or acetylene, is then introduced into the furnace. The vacuum environment allows for precise control over the atmosphere and prevents oxidation of the metal surface. The carbon atoms from the gas diffuse into the surface layer of the metal, forming a hardened case.

This method offers several advantages over traditional carburizing techniques. The vacuum atmosphere minimizes the formation of unwanted oxides and decarburization, leading to a cleaner surface and more uniform carbon distribution. This can result in improved surface finish and reduced post-treatment cleaning requirements. Vacuum carburizing also allows for greater control over the case depth and carbon concentration, enabling tailored properties for specific applications. Furthermore, the process can be used on a wider range of materials, including tool steels and stainless steels, which can be more sensitive to oxidation in traditional methods.

The process typically involves several stages. First, the furnace is evacuated to a high vacuum. Then, the part is heated to the carburizing temperature. Once at temperature, the carbon-rich gas is introduced, and the carburizing diffusion occurs. After the diffusion period, the gas is removed, and the part is often held at temperature for a further diffusion soak or directly quenched to achieve the desired hardness. Post-carburizing heat treatments, such as tempering, are usually performed to reduce internal stresses and achieve the final desired mechanical properties. Vacuum carburizing is often used for critical components requiring high wear resistance and fatigue strength.