Thermochemical treatment is a surface treatment technique that involves altering the chemical and physical properties of a material by subjecting it to high temperatures and chemical reactions. This process differs from other treatment techniques, such as mechanical or electrochemical treatments, because it involves changing the material's surface composition rather than just its physical properties. Thermochemical treatment can be used to improve a material's wear resistance, hardness, and corrosion resistance, among other properties.
There are several types of thermochemical treatment techniques used in industry, including carburizing, nitriding, carbonitriding, and boriding. Carburizing involves adding carbon to the surface of a material to increase its hardness and wear resistance. Nitriding involves adding nitrogen to the surface of a material to improve its hardness and corrosion resistance. Carbonitriding combines both carburizing and nitriding to improve a material's wear and corrosion resistance. Boriding involves adding boron to the surface of a material to increase its hardness and wear resistance.
AGMA hosted an EV Town Hall last month during their Motion + Power Technology Expo (MPT Expo). This event was planned to explicitly ask the question, “Is industry ready to roll up its sleeves and start the process of sharing common outcomes that will serve as the building blocks for standards for electric vehicle technology?” Spoiler Alert: The answer was a resounding, yes. And the discussion uncovered some key issues, and perhaps a surprise or two, that will help AGMA leverage its 107 years of experience in this space to start to frame future discussions for electric vehicle standards development.
Posted by on 2023-11-28
While I was attending the 10th International VDI Conference on Gears 2023—held in Garching, Munich at the Gear Research Center (FZG) of the Technical University of Munich from September 13th to 15th, 2023—Delrin, a product family of DuPont, introduced a new high molecular weight nucleated resin specially formulated for use in applications requiring high creep resistance and fatigue durability. I had the good fortune to sit down and speak with Guillaume Doy, Global Marketing Leader from Delrin, to hear more about their acetal homopolymer for high-load mechanical applications.
Posted by on 2023-10-02
On August 23, 2023, India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission made a successful landing on the southern part of the moon near the crater Manzinus. We were able to catch up with Mushtaq Jamal, vice president of engineering and business development at Bevel Gears India Pvt Ltd (BGI), to discuss BGI's role in this monumental achievement for India.
Posted by on 2023-09-12
The Forging Industry Association’s (FIA) Forge Fair, North America’s largest event dedicated exclusively to the forging industry, returned to the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio, May 23–25, 2023. More than 2,000 forging professionals from across the globe attended Forge Fair to learn about new products, make purchasing decisions, and network with each other. This specialized-industry event offered suppliers and forgers a platform to connect with more qualified potential customers. From material selection to the shipment of finished parts, Forge Fair showcased innovations in heating, tooling, equipment, testing, automation, conservation of resources, process and plant improvements, and technology for all types of forging operations.
Posted by on 2023-07-25
The choice of thermochemical treatment technique can have a significant impact on the properties of the treated material. For example, carburizing can increase a material's surface hardness by up to 50%, while nitriding can improve its corrosion resistance by up to 100 times. Carbonitriding can provide a balance of both wear and corrosion resistance, while boriding can improve a material's wear resistance by up to 10 times. The specific properties that are improved depend on the type of treatment used and the material being treated.
Thermochemical treatment has several advantages over other surface treatment methods. It can improve a material's properties without significantly altering its dimensions or shape, making it ideal for complex parts. It can also be used to selectively treat specific areas of a part, allowing for precise control over the treatment process. However, thermochemical treatment can be more expensive and time-consuming than other treatment methods, and it may not be suitable for all materials.
Thermochemical treatment can be used to improve the corrosion resistance of metals. Nitriding, for example, can significantly improve a material's resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for use in harsh environments. Carburizing can also improve a material's corrosion resistance by creating a hard, protective surface layer.
There are several safety considerations and precautions that need to be taken during thermochemical treatment processes. High temperatures and chemical reactions can pose a risk of fire or explosion, so proper ventilation and safety equipment are essential. Operators should also be trained in the safe handling of chemicals and the use of protective equipment.
The temperature and duration of the thermochemical treatment process can have a significant impact on the outcome. Higher temperatures and longer treatment times can result in deeper and more uniform surface layers, but they can also increase the risk of distortion or cracking. The specific temperature and duration required depend on the type of treatment used and the material being treated, and they must be carefully controlled to achieve the desired outcome.
When assessing screw shafts in barrel systems, there are several inspection guidelines that can be followed. Firstly, it is important to thoroughly examine the screw shaft for any signs of wear, such as abrasions, grooves, or pitting. Additionally, the inspector should check for any signs of corrosion or rust on the shaft. It is also crucial to inspect the screw threads for any signs of damage or deformation. Furthermore, the inspector should assess the overall condition of the screw shaft, including its straightness and alignment. Any deviations from the desired specifications should be noted. Finally, it is recommended to measure the dimensions of the screw shaft, including its diameter and length, to ensure they meet the required standards. By following these inspection guidelines, one can effectively evaluate the quality and performance of screw shafts in barrel systems.