CASE HARDENING

Fig 1. Simple model for

transformation of austenite
( ϒ) to martensite ( α)

Fig. 2 (a). Lathe martensite, (b)

Plate Martensite.
Fig. 3. Influence of austenite carbon content on tha Ms, and Mf
temperatures and the type of martensite formed in unalloyed steel
(Thelning)
(Klauss Marder) :

The formation of either lath martensite or plate

martensite depend on :
- Carbon content of austenite before
transformed to martensite
- Temperature at which it formed (Ms and Mf)

Alloying elements that lower Ms temperature (Mn, Ni)

will promote the formation of plate martensite.
[Van de Sanden] investigation
Material: Commercial Carbon steel containing 0.32%C to
0,79%C
Temperature austenizing : 1000˚C,
Holding time :30 minutes
Quenching media : water

Result
- The 0.32%C steel sample contained mainly lath marensite
(with little plate martensite)
- The 0.63% C steel sample contained mainly plate
martensite
- The 0,79%C steel sample contained plate martensite only.

With increasing carbon content the amount of plate

martensite increased
Fig. 3. Variation in the amount of retained austenite carbon
content on hardening
Grade for Steel intended for Case Hardening
Salt bath Carburizing
Gas Carburizing