8620, 1018, and Other Carburizing Steel
Quality Processing for Carburizing Steel
At Paulo, we specialize in optimizing the performance of carburizing steels through advanced heat treatment techniques. Our experience spans decades of transforming steel to be stronger, more wear-resistant to withstand the toughest environments. Through our datagineering approach, we deliver innovative heat treating solutions that ensure your parts are in spec and prepared for a life of heavy service.
Case Hardening Capabilities
Carburizing steel is ideal for applications where both surface hardness and core ductility are essential. Through processes like carburizing and ferritic nitrocarburizing (FNC), these steels develop a hardened outer layer while maintaining a more malleable core, most suitable for parts subjected to repeated wear and impact. Carburizing steel is highly versatile, and capable of providing exceptional performance in demanding environments without sacrificing toughness.
Enhanced Performance for Automotive and Aerospace
Carburizing steel is the material of choice for parts that need to withstand constant friction, stress, and wear while maintaining the integrity of their core. In industries like automotive, aerospace, and agriculture, components must meet strict specifications for performance and durability. By using carburizing techniques, the surface hardness of these parts can be enhanced, extending their operational life and reducing maintenance needs.
Carburizing Steel Components We Process
- Gears
- Fasteners
- Bearings and shafts
- Tooling and dies
- Stampings
- Fineblankings
- Driveline components
- Bearings
Carburizing Alloys We Process
8620 Steel
Known for its excellent case hardening properties and ability to achieve high core toughness, 8620 is often chosen for parts like gears, crankshafts, and pins. Its low carbon content allows for effective carburizing and case hardening, making it suitable for parts required to withstand demanding environments.
8620 Hardness Ranges
8620 is most commonly heat treated to a hardness range of 58-60 HRC, but can go as low as 52 HRC for some applications, with a case depth 0.005”-0.100” or more.
1018 Steel
This low-carbon steel is ideal for components that need a hardened surface but don’t require a high core hardness. Commonly used in applications such as stampings, fineblanked parts, and other small machined components, 1018 provides consistent performance at a cost-effective price point.
1018 Hardness Ranges
1018 is most commonly heat treated to a hardness range of 58-60 HRC, but can go as low as 52 HRC for some applications, with a case depth 0.005”-0.050” or more.
5115 Steel
A cost-effective alternative to 8620, 5115 contains chromium but no molybdenum or nickel, making it suitable for smaller gears and applications where cost is a priority without sacrificing performance.
5115 Hardness Ranges
5115 is most commonly heat treated to a hardness range of 58-60 HRC, but can go as low as 45 HRC for some applications, with a case depth 0.005”-0.100” or more.
1215 & 1117 Free Machining Steels
These steels are designed for components that require extensive machining, like appliance parts, where surface wear resistance is important, but they don’t face severe duty applications.
1215 & 1117 Hardness Ranges
1215 and 1117 are most commonly heat treated to a hardness range of 58-60 HRC, but can go as low as 45 HRC for some applications, with a case depth 0.005”-0.100” or more.
Heat Treatment Processes for Carburizing Steel
Ferritic Nitrocarburizing (FNC)
For internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE), FNC is a case hardening technique that improves durability, appearance, and corrosion resistance for components such as crankshafts, camshafts, brake rotors, and gears.
When it comes to heat treating for EVs, improved appearance and corrosion resistance are especially important qualities for brake rotors due to regenerative braking, which the FNC process can reliably provide.
Zinc Plating and Zinc Phosphating
We offer zinc plating and zinc phosphating services for large batches of automotive parts to prevent corrosion, improve appearance, and reduce conductivity, in addition to other benefits.
Case Hardening
Our precision carburizing and case hardening solutions allow us to meet even the most strict case depth specifications for automotive fasteners, bearings, gears, engine parts, and more in either batch or continuous belt furnaces.
Nitriding
Gas nitriding is a specialized case hardening technique used on parts that require high wear resistance. Because it is carried out at a lower temperature, gas nitriding helps prevent the part distortion that can sometimes occur due to more extreme heating.
Black Oxide Coating
Black oxide is a finishing that offers a unique aesthetic benefit, giving parts a sharp black appearance and minimized light reflection, along with enhanced corrosion resistance.
Austempering
Austempering is a process used to increase a part’s toughness while maintaining its shape with tight dimensional requirements. Within the automotive industry, austempering is most commonly used on components for ATVs, recreational vehicles, and heavy trucks.
Ferritic Nitrocarburizing (FNC)
For internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE), FNC is a case hardening technique that improves durability, appearance, and corrosion resistance for components such as crankshafts, camshafts, brake rotors, and gears.
When it comes to heat treating for EVs, improved appearance and corrosion resistance are especially important qualities for brake rotors due to regenerative braking, which the FNC process can reliably provide.
Zinc Plating and Zinc Phosphating
We offer zinc plating and zinc phosphating services for large batches of automotive parts to prevent corrosion, improve appearance, and reduce conductivity, in addition to other benefits.
Case Hardening
Our precision carburizing and case hardening solutions allow us to meet even the most strict case depth specifications for automotive fasteners, bearings, gears, engine parts, and more in either batch or continuous belt furnaces.
Nitriding
Gas nitriding is a specialized case hardening technique used on parts that require high wear resistance. Because it is carried out at a lower temperature, gas nitriding helps prevent the part distortion that can sometimes occur due to more extreme heating.
Black Oxide Coating
Black oxide is a finishing that offers a unique aesthetic benefit, giving parts a sharp black appearance and minimized light reflection, along with enhanced corrosion resistance.
Austempering
Austempering is a process used to increase a part’s toughness while maintaining its shape with tight dimensional requirements. Within the automotive industry, austempering is most commonly used on components for ATVs, recreational vehicles, and heavy trucks.
Metallurgy Support for Carburizing Steel
Our team of in-house metallurgists works closely with clients to optimize the heat treatment processes for your specific needs. Whether you require precise case depths or need to ensure minimal distortion, we’re here to ensure that your components meet your exact specifications.
Featured Resources
Technical Article
Deep Case Carburizing for Helical Gears: Capability Spotlight
Helical gears differ from spur gears in that their teeth are cut at an angle to…
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