Study on homogeneity and repeatability of single-piece flow carburizing system

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to determine the homogeneity and replicability of carburized layers obtained by a continuous single-piece flow method. Design/methodology/approach: A series of 100 gears was carburized under low pressure atmosphere using the single-piece flow method. The microstructures of the obtained carbon layers were investigated. Hardness penetration pattern and carbon concentration profiles were tested. Findings: The findings have shown the validity/correctness of the microstructures of the carburized layers obtained by the single-piece flow method. It has been proved that the carbon layer in every gear is uniform, what confirms that each element is affected by the same process conditions and the gears in the whole series can be precisely reproduced. Research limitations/implications: The short-pulse low-pressure carburizing technology needs further investigation to understand its all mechanisms fully. Practical implications: The single-piece flow method provides the uniform and reproducible carburized layers with the precision magnitude exceeding the abilities of currently used thermo-chemical furnaces. When applying the method it is possible to obtain a uniform carburized case in every single gear from the whole series of elements subjected to the process. Optimized configuration of process parameters and carbon-carrying mixture allows to meet the high expectations of a modern and future industry, what is most crucial in exploiting carburized steel gears. Originality/value: The applicability of the LPC single-piece flow method to a demanding mass production has been verified. The statistical validity of research results of the whole manufactured series of gears is being performed for the first time.