Carburized Soft Spots
Carburized Soft Spots
(OP)
I'm getting softs spots on carburized parts that were machined prior to heat treat. Something is masking small spots on the surface preventing carbon penetration. Any suggestions? Anyone else encounter and solve this problem?





RE: Carburized Soft Spots
RE: Carburized Soft Spots
Masking can also produce a slack quench in mild steels with low hardenability so suggest you review your process.
RE: Carburized Soft Spots
RE: Carburized Soft Spots
RE: Carburized Soft Spots
The other point is - may be you do not reach the required temperature for chemical diffusion process.
RE: Carburized Soft Spots
kieke - run a design of experiments with the soluble oils to see if you can turn on/off the problem. Good luck!
formulaross - exactly! The problem occurred after the ban on trichloethylene. I wish I had more research on the surface effect of cutting oils on steels. Also I agree, steel grade makes a difference.
rido - we wouldn't be in the heat treating business if we didn't use the right steel, temp, carbon pot, etc. (smile)