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Monday, May 15, 2006 - 2:30 PM
SEAA061.3

Kolsterising®: Unique Surface Hardening of Austenitic Stainless Steel

P. T. Dymond, Bodycote Thermal Processing, Santa Fe Springs, CA

The Kolsterising® process is a proven method for the surface hardening of austenitic stainless steel by the diffusion of carbon. Developed in the Netherlands over twenty years ago, the technology is now being further developed in North America. This paper intends to highlight the improvements typically seen in key mechanical properties, including resistance to galling, wear resistance, fatigue life, and resistance to pitting and stress corrosion cracking. Untypically, due to the nature of the process, these properties are generally improved without the usual associated reduction in corrosion resistance. Property improvements will be demonstrated using test data from Europe and North America.

Summary: Kolsterising® is a unique surface hardening process for austenitic stainless steel and certain nickel-base alloys. Surface hardness levels in the order of 1000 to 1200 HV are achieved by the diffusion of carbon into the surface layer. Provided the host material is of sufficient quality, corrosion resistance remains unchanged, and may even be slightly enhanced. Wear and galling resistance is increased substantially.