Carburizing

Carburizing Services in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

To achieve enhanced surface hardness and strength in metal components, carburizing is an indispensable heat treatment process. Southwest Metal Treating, operating from the vibrant Dallas-Fort Worth, TX area, offers expert carburizing services backed by over 30 years of industry experience. Utilizing cutting-edge furnace equipment technology, we deliver premium heat treatment solutions to a diverse array of sectors, including machine shops, oil & gas operations, aerospace, cutlery & hand tool manufacturing, turbine manufacturing, stamping companies, and forging companies. Our unwavering commitment to precision and attention to detail ensures the highest quality standards are met for every component.

Benefits of Carburizing

  • Enhances surface hardness while maintaining a tough core
  • Improves wear resistance for longer component lifespan
  • Increases fatigue strength under cyclic loading
  • Ideal for parts exposed to friction, shock, or high stress
  • Offers excellent dimensional control with precision heating
  • Extends the performance of gears, shafts, and fasteners
  • Compatible with a wide range of ferrous materials
  • Enables cost-effective production by hardening only where needed

Process Details

  1. Preparation of Parts -Components are cleaned and prepped to ensure surface conditions allow proper carbon absorption.

  2. Heating in a Carbon-Rich Atmosphere - Parts are heated between 1,600°F and 1,800°F in a carbon-saturated environment.

  3. Carbon Diffusion - Carbon atoms diffuse into the steel surface, increasing carbon concentration in the outer layer.

  4. Controlled Soaking Time - The component is held at temperature for a specific duration to achieve the desired case depth.

  5. Quenching - Parts are rapidly cooled to harden the carburized layer while preserving a tough inner core.

  6. Post-Treatment (Optional) - Tempering may be used to reduce brittleness and relieve internal stress for added durability.

  7. Method Selection - Carburizing can be performed using gas, liquid, or vacuum processes, depending on part design and application.

Carburizing Applications and Materials

Carburizing is widely used across industries that require components with a hard, wear-resistant surface and a tough, ductile core. This heat treatment process is especially valuable in high-stress environments where durability and fatigue resistance are critical. Common industries include automotive, aerospace, construction, and heavy machinery.

Typical applications include:

  • Gears and gear shafts

  • Camshafts and crankshafts

  • Bearings and bearing races

  • Fasteners and pins

  • Sprockets and bushings

  • Tools and dies

To achieve optimal results, carburizing is typically applied to low-carbon and alloy steels that can absorb carbon effectively and withstand the quenching process.

Common materials used in carburizing:

  • 1018 and 1020 low-carbon steels

  • 8620 and 9310 alloy steels

  • 4120 and 5120 chromium steels

  • Custom steel blends designed for case hardening

By combining the right material with the proper carburizing method, manufacturers can significantly enhance part performance and extend service life in demanding applications.

Why Work with Southwest Metal Treating

At Southwest Metal Treating, we combine advanced technology with extensive expertise to deliver exceptional carburizing services. Our team is dedicated to providing heat treatment solutions that are precisely tailored to the unique demands of each industry. With our profound experience, we offer carburizing services that consistently exceed expectations, ensuring components perform reliably under the most demanding conditions.

Related Industries

Carburizing is extensively used in industries requiring hardened surface materials. Major sectors include the automotive industry for components like gears and camshafts, ensuring improved wear resistance and durability. The aerospace industry benefits from carburized parts to enhance the longevity and performance of critical components. Additionally, carburizing is applied in manufacturing heavy machinery, mining equipment, and industrial tools, providing robust parts that withstand harsh operational conditions. This process is essential for producing components that demand superior surface strength and longevity.

Request a Quote Today

Upgrade the durability and performance of your metal components with our specialized carburizing services. Request a quote from Southwest Metal Treating today and discover how our precision-driven approach can enhance your products. Our team is ready to provide customized solutions that meet your specific industry requirements. Reach out now to experience the pinnacle of service and expertise in the field.

FAQs

Why use carburizing instead of other hardening methods?

What is the typical temperature range for carburizing?

How does carburizing differ from nitriding?