Stainless steel hardening as a sustainable solution | Stainihard®
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Stainihard® is a unique, registered trademark of Aalberts Surface technologies Eindhoven B.V., part of the global industrial specialist Aalberts N.V., which employs 14,000 people across more than 50 countries.
stainless steel hardening: sustainable solutions for stainless steel
Aalberts Surface technologies, the specialist in surface and heat treatments for stainless steel hardening, offers innovative solutions focused on the thermal surface hardening of austenitic and duplex stainless steel. In this article, you’ll learn how stainless steel hardening not only increases material hardness but also provides significant benefits for various applications.
what is austenitic stainless steel hardening?
Austenitic stainless steel hardening is a thermochemical process aimed at enriching the surface of austenitic and duplex stainless steel with nitrogen and carbon atoms. This significantly increases hardness (1200-1400HV0.05) and improves tribological and fatigue properties. It is ideal for machine parts made of stainless steel due to their corrosion resistance or non-magnetic properties, but are subject to galling and/or wear.
how does stainless steel hardening work?
Our process involves three crucial steps:
- Activating the surface:The chromium oxide layer (Cr2O3) is removed to activate the surface for the diffusion phase.
- Low-temperature diffusion:Nitrogen and carbon atoms are diffused at low temperatures to enrich the surface without altering the base structure, resulting in a high-hardness surface.
- Cleaning:At the end of the process, the surface is cleaned to allow chromium to bond with oxygen again, forming a chromium oxide layer, resulting in excellent corrosion resistance.
surface hardening of stainless steel 316 and stainless steel 304:
At Aalberts Surface Technologies, we offer specialized surface hardening processes for various stainless steel alloys, including 316(L) and 304. Our processes are designed to optimize material properties without sacrificing corrosion resistance.
preserving corrosion resistance after stainless steel hardening:
One of our main focuses is maintaining the corrosion resistance of stainless steel after hardening. Our unique approach ensures the hardening process occurs below 450°C, forming an expanded austenite zone, which keeps the material’s corrosion resistance intact.
hardening vs. coating in stainless steel:
Many companies face the choice between hardening or coating stainless steel parts. We distinguish ourselves by showing that surface hardening not only improves material hardness but also maintains corrosion resistance. Compared to coatings and traditional hardening methods, low-temperature stainless steel hardening offers more sustainable results and a longer product lifespan, which is crucial for industries like food processing, machinery, and component supply.
who is stainless steel hardening intended for and what does It deliver?
Our services target R&D managers, engineers, developers, and procurement within the stainless steel machinery and component supply industries. Choosing stainless steel hardening offers longer service life, reduced machine downtime, and lower maintenance costs, contributing to efficiency, sustainability, and environmental friendliness.
benefits of stainless steel hardening:
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More durable products with a longer lifespan.
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Improved wear resistance and tribological properties.
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Promotes sustainability and environmental friendliness.
drawbacks of stainless steel hardening:
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Costs can be significant, but the investment pays off through reduced downtime and maintenance.
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There’s a potential risk of reduced corrosion resistance, although we minimize this as much as possible.
why choose Aalberts Surface Technologies?
- Specialization: We are specialists in surface and heat treatments.
- Unique process: Our process combines enhanced properties with corrosion resistance preservation.
- Best team: A dedicated team of engineers is ready for customer support and project guidance.
frequently asked questions about stainless steel hardening:
Heat treatments lead to significant changes in steel, improving strength, hardness, and wear resistance. For many types of stainless steel, only surface hardening is possible.
Austenitic stainless steel can be surface-hardened through diffusion processes, such as with Stainihard®, which involves the diffusion of nitrogen and carbon atoms.
Stainihard® NC is an advanced process that hardens stainless steel by enriching the surface with nitrogen and carbon. This low-temperature diffusion process forms an expanded austenite zone (without binding chromium into CrN or CrC), resulting in improved mechanical properties without compromising corrosion resistance.
Yes, as long as the hardening process is conducted below 450°C and an expanded austenite zone is formed, the corrosion resistance remains intact.
Costs vary depending on the type of product, quantity, and size. We offer tailored solutions that meet your specific needs. Investing in stainless steel hardening with Aalberts Surface Technologies results in more durable products, a longer service life, reduced downtime, and less maintenance, offering long-term cost savings.
Contact us to maximize your stainless steel products
Curious about the possibilities for your specific needs? Contact us for a customized solution that maximizes the durability of your stainless steel products.
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Aalberts Surface Technologies Eindhoven B.V.
Achtseweg Noord 3 / 5651 GG Eindhoven / The Netherlands
