Thermochemical surface engineering (TSE) covers the full palette of processes where the surface is chemically modified at elevated temperature to achieve altered properties and hence improved performance. This could be improved performance with respect to fatigue, wear, friction, corrosion etc. Processes include carburizing, carbonitriding, ferritic nitriding/nitrocarburizing, austenitic nitrocarburizing, boronizing, low temperature surface hardening of stainless steel and titanium alloys, high temperature solution nitriding etc.
The list of processes is almost endless. In TSE many different media can be applied including gas, plasma, salt, ions etc. We are focusing on understanding how the different surface engineering processes can improve the properties of metallic materials. Many times, the heat treatment of the core needs to be taken into consideration. We rely on state-of-the-art in-situ techniques and can simulate any type of process.
Current and Pending Projects & Other Activities:
Vacuum carburizing (focus on carbide formation)
Surface hardening of Titanium
High temperature solution nitriding of stainless steel
Low temperature surface hardening of stainless steel & other self-passivating alloys
