Low-pressure vacuum carburizing, a technology developed in the mid 1990's, has helped revolutionize the heat treating industry, primarily because of its capability for precise process control. Tight control enables absolute repeatability, optimized part microstructure, enhanced mechanical properties, and reduced manufacturing costs. Demand for vacuum carburizing systems equipped with high-pressure gas quenching, oil quenching, or both has quadrupled since 2000, as the technology has replaced atmosphere carburizing and traditional oil quenching in many cases. New materials (Table) designed specifically for high-temperature service retain their hardness and mechanical properties well into a service range of 600 to 950 deg F (315 to 510 deg C) and higher. Many are similar in chemistry to stainless and tool steels to take advantage of higher resistance to corrosion and wear, but they have better core microstructures.
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