What is meant by the term carburizing?

Answer 1

Carburizing is a heat treatment process used to harden steel by increasing its carbon content at the surface. During this process, the steel is heated in a carbon-rich environment, allowing carbon atoms to diffuse into the outer layer of the material. This results in a harder surface while maintaining a softer, ductile core, enhancing the overall wear resistance and fatigue strength of the component. Carburizing is commonly used for gears, shafts, and other components requiring high surface hardness.