Modeling Steel Surface Treating Processes – Carbonitridetool ©

CarboNitrideTool © software has been developed to predict the microchemistry, microstructure and hardness profiles in carbonitrided steels that have been quenched and tempered. This model relies on computational thermodynamics to predict the alloy specific multi-component isopleths for carbonitrided steels. The kinetics of the process is controlled by the mass transfer of carbon and flux of nitrogen at the alloy surface and the concomitant diffusion of carbon and nitrogen into the steel. The microhardness profiles are predicted based on the microchemistry and microstructure in the diffusion zone. The role of retained Austenite will be discussed. The experimental verification of the software predictions will be presented.