C. Zimmerman, Bodycote Thermal Processing, New Berlin, WI
Boronizing is a thermo-chemical diffusion process where boron is diffused into the surface of components in order to form a subsurface compound layer of metal borides. The metal boride layers typically have a surface hardness of 1500-2000 HV which increases wear resistance dramatically. Field trials on boronized components are shown to have several times longer wear life in aggressive environments in comparison to other heat treatments such as carburizing, nitriding, nitrocarburizing or neutral hardening. Most production boronizing has been performed by industrial suppliers through the use of a pack cementation process. The current pack cementation process is reviewed including detailed information on production methods and processing techniques. The advantages and difficulties of the conventional pack cementation process are also discussed. A new boriding technology is being developed and commercialized by Bodycote Thermal Processing. Preliminary results and projected benefits of the new technology over conventional pack cementation boronizing are presented.
Summary: The standard technique used industry wide for boronizing is a pack cementation process. The pack cementation boronizing process will be reviewed including how the process is performed, benefits and disadvantages of this process, current applications and performance results. A new boronizing technology is being developed and commercialized by Bodycote. Preliminary results from this process will be presented along with projected benefits of the new technology over the pack cementation process.
