Theory of thermochemical treatments - cementation, carburation

The mechanisms involved in thermochemical surface treatments using gas-solid reactions (case-hardening, carbonitriding, etc.) have been the subject of in-depth studies over the last twenty years, made possible by advances in techniques for analyzing and observing microstructures, by the development of thermodynamic knowledge and material transfer phenomena, and by the implementation of simulation tools. Our understanding of these mechanisms has enabled us to dramatically increase material transfer speeds and thus reduce treatment times, thanks to processes whose operating conditions, optimized at every moment, guarantee not only productivity but also a very high level of metallurgical quality, reproducible with every treatment.

This dossier is an accessible presentation for engineers, technicians and students of the concepts and applications involved in case-hardening, carbonitriding of engineering steels and carburizing of alloy steels. The aim is to enable engineers and technicians in particular to better understand and therefore better master the modern production resources available to them.