carburize
Carbon-enrich steel surface
To carburize steel is to harden its surface by heating it in a carbon-rich environment, allowing carbon atoms to diffuse into the metal.
The process creates a harder outer layer while preserving a tougher core—useful for gears, bearings, and other parts that need wear resistance without becoming brittle throughout.
Also spelled carburise in British English.
process
Hardening metal's outer layer
- cementationMineral-binding of particles
- diffusionPassive molecular spreading
- nitridingNitrogen-based surface treatment
- thermochemicalConcerning heat in reactions
hardening
Rapid cooling process
- temperingControlled heating and cooling
- annealingHeat-softening of metals
- casehardenStrengthen metal's outer layer
- toughenMake harder to damage
equipment
Enclosed heat-producing structure
metallurgy
Lamellar iron-carbon phase
- microstructureSubmillimeter material composition
- interstitialRelating to small gaps
materials
Burned wood residue
- cokeCarbonized coal fuel
- carburizerCarbon-adding metallurgical agent
- methaneSimplest alkane fuel
- propaneFlammable hydrocarbon fuel
case-hardening
Hardening metal's outer layer
- cementationMineral-binding of particles
- diffusionPassive molecular spreading
- nitridingNitrogen-based surface treatment
quenching
Rapid cooling process
- temperingControlled heating and cooling
- annealingHeat-softening of metals
- casehardenStrengthen metal's outer layer
toughen · strengthen · fortify
furnace
Enclosed heat-producing structure
pearlite
Lamellar iron-carbon phase
- microstructureSubmillimeter material composition
- interstitialRelating to small gaps
charcoal
Burned wood residue
- cokeCarbonized coal fuel
- carburizerCarbon-adding metallurgical agent
- methaneSimplest alkane fuel