J. Kowalewski, SECO/WARWICK Corporation, Meadville, PA

Summary: FineCarb®, is a new control system for low-pressure vacuum carburizing and as well as for carbontriding applications. This new technology offers a new opportunity for vacuum heat treatment applications with the option of selecting a low-pressure vacuum carburizing process cycle within a single, double or multipurpose furnace system. Low-pressure vacuum carburizing or carbonitriding is a process that is characterized by irregular and changeable conditions. This process requires not only a new generation of control systems, but also new solutions in the field of parameters selection to optimize both carburizing/diffusive and high pressure gas quenching stages. This new control software system allows quick and precise parameters selection based on computer simulations. This system uses a special algorithm that uses the latest development in material science as well chemical irregular reaction during carburizing/diffusion stage. The FineCarb system incorporates design features based on the newest original solutions in the field of vacuum carburizing parameters selection and optimization. This system takes into account the grade of steel, carbon concentration profile, carburized layer microstructure requirements, shape of treated elements, size, homogeneity of the load and grain growth propensities at elevated temperatures. Chemical variation composition within the same type steel could drastically influence effective case depth. (up to 20% variation in ECD).