LPC carburizing

for the nuclear industryISO 9001ISO 14001

LPC is a case hardening process carried out in a vacuum furnace using hydrocarbon gases at very low pressure and elevated temperatures to obtain a hardened surface layer of tempered martensite and a tough core. The treatment is used to increase the wear resistance and fatigue life of components. Benefits -The pitch to root ratio of the carburised layer (case depths) in gears is almost 1:1 (uniform). -High hardness below the surface compared to conventionally carburised parts. -Faster cycle times. -Parts can be carburised between 930°C and 1000°C (1700° and 1830°F). -Penetration of carbon in deep blind holes resulting in uniform hardness on the entire profile. -Carburising of small holes and blind holes. -Avoidance of part cleaning after the heat treatment due to high pressure gas quenching (dry quench). -Reduction of dimensional alterations by temperature-independent heat transfer during high pressure gas quenching. -Enhanced mechanical properties – elimination of inter-granular oxidation layer, improved fatigue properties. -Dimensional control – low distortion, predictable and repeatable -Environmentally friendly -Reduced manufacturing steps such as post grinding, cleaning and inspection -Enhanced cleanliness of products -Precise control of case depth, microstructure and hardness -Better case depth uniformity for complex shapes. Case depth uniformity can be maintained within ±0.002” in most cases. Application & materials Typical applications of LPC include gears, shafts, axles, nozzles, injectors, spindles etc.