Calorising is a term used in the field of surface engineering and metallurgy, specifically in the context of heat-treating metals. It refers to a process of applying a calorising treatment to a material, typically steel or iron, in order to enhance its surface properties.
The process of calorising involves introducing the material into a furnace at elevated temperatures, usually between 800 to 1050 degrees Celsius, and exposing it to an atmosphere rich in hydrocarbons, such as methane or propane. As a result, carbonaceous compounds diffuse into the surface of the material, forming a layer of carbides that significantly improves its hardness, wear resistance, and high-temperature strength.
The thickness of the carbide layer created through calorising can vary depending on the specific application and desired outcome, ranging from a few micrometers to several millimeters. This treatment is particularly beneficial for components subjected to high mechanical or thermal stresses, such as gears, tools, and parts used in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Calorising offers a number of advantages over alternative surface hardening methods, such as improved resistance to corrosion, oxidation, and erosion. Additionally, it provides an efficient means of enhancing surface properties without significantly altering the bulk properties of the material, thereby maintaining its structural integrity.
In summary, calorising is a heat treatment process that involves introducing a material into a furnace and exposing it to a carbon-rich atmosphere to form a layer of carbides on its surface, resulting in improved surface hardness, wear resistance, and high-temperature strength.
