W. Melvin, Bodycote Thermal Processing, London, OH
The Kolsterising® process is a proven method for the surface hardening of austenitic stainless steel by the diffusion of carbon. Developed in the Netherlands twenty years ago, the technology is now being further developed in North America. This presentation 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 both new and existing data from Europe and North America.
Summary: Kolsterising allows engineers to take a closer look at the use of austenitic stainless steels for applications involving smaller components where galling and wear related issues may be a concern. The process delivers a surface hardness in the range of 1000-1200 HV 0.05 without dimensional change to the treated component and without loss of corrosion resistant properties inherent in certain grades of austenitic stainless steels.
