NITROCARBURIZE Meaning and
Definition
-
Nitrocarburize is a chemical process used to modify the surface properties of metal components through the introduction of nitrogen and carbon. It is a type of case hardening treatment that enhances the hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue strength of the material, improving its overall durability and longevity.
During the nitrocarburizing process, the metal component is placed in a sealed chamber, typically containing an ammonia and hydrocarbon gas mixture. The chamber is heated to a specific temperature, usually between 500 and 1150 degrees Celsius (932 and 2102 degrees Fahrenheit), and held at that temperature for a predetermined amount of time. This allows the nitrogen and carbon atoms to diffuse into the surface layer of the metal, forming a hardened layer known as a nitrocarburized case.
The resulting nitrocarburized case is characterized by an increased surface hardness and resistance to wear, which significantly extends the lifespan of the component. It also improves the metal's resistance to corrosion. Furthermore, nitrocarburizing enhances the component's fatigue strength, making it more resistant to cyclic loading and reducing the risk of crack initiation and propagation.
Nitrocarburizing is commonly used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and mechanical engineering, where components subjected to high wear, such as gears, crankshafts, and cylinders, benefit from the improved surface properties. It is a preferred method due to its ability to produce a high-quality case with minimal distortion and cost-effectiveness compared to other similar processes such as carburizing or nitriding.
Etymology of NITROCARBURIZE
The word "nitrocarburize" is derived from the combination of two elements: "nitro" and "carburize".
1. Nitro: The term "nitro" is a shortened form of "nitrogen", which comes from the Latin word "nitrogenium". This Latin word is a combination of "nitrum" (which means "saltpeter" or "potassium nitrate") and the Greek word "genos" (meaning "birth" or "origin"). Therefore, "nitro" refers to the presence or use of nitrogen.
2. Carburize: "Carburize" comes from the word "carburise" in British English or "carburize" in American English. It stems from the French word "carbure", which is derived from the Latin word "carbo" (meaning "charcoal" or "carbon").
