Low pressure carburizing services for precision parts

For decades manufacturers of precision parts used atmosphere batch furnaces with integral oil quenches for the case hardening process. In recent years Low Pressure Carburizing (LPC) and High Pressure Gas Quenching (HPGQ) have become a preferred technology for fuel injection components and for the latest generation of transmissions, such as double clutch transmissions or 6/8 speed automatic transmissions. The manufacturers have the option to either heat treat inhouse or to outsource the heat treatment. ALD Vacuum Technologies is offering both furnace equipment for inhouse treatment as well as service-centers for the outsourcing of heat treatment. This paper discusses the pros and cons of outsourcing the LPC heat treatment. It presents insight into the technology of the equipment and into the LPC/HPGQ -process. Finally ways and means how to assure quality of the treated parts are briefly described.