Abstract
In gas carburizing, the source of carbon is a carbon-rich furnace atmosphere produced either from gaseous hydrocarbons or from vaporized hydrocarbon liquids. Using theoretical steps with anticipated process variable inputs allows for the prediction of the carbon available to the steel surface; diffusion can be simulated. Inputs captured during a real-time run can predict the carbon buildup in a part. The simulation and real-time data can be matched up to compare metallurgical results. We will cover principles of atmosphere carburizing, including sensor and control technology. We will discuss the analysis of input variables associated with carburizing applications and understanding the effects the atmosphere, temperature and time have on results. We will look at information using three-gas analysis as opposed to analysis using oxygen probes and review what an atmosphere would look like during a carburizing run. We will review real world scenarios with actual data that allow for a comparison of simulation versus calculated carbon transfer and diffusion against metallurgical lab results.
