FEATURE ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025 46 THE FUTURE OF LOW-PRESSURE CARBURIZATION Low-pressure carburization has evolved into a mainstream, high-performance heat treatment method. Its ability to produce uniform, high-quality cases without risk of oxidation makes it ideal for complex geometries, like gears and shafts, used in high-performance applications. Yet, due to its nonlinear nature, process development for LPC is complex, requiring a balance of boost and diffuse steps, which shorten cycle times while still fully dissolving any carbides. As the gear example shows, a recipe developed for one surface can be tested virtually and adjusted for another test before committing to expensive furnace runs. This not only saves time and material but also enhances confidence in final part performance. Looking ahead, the integration of modeling into LPC process design promises to make heat treatment faster, 12 more reliable, and more sustainable. Process modeling is a tool to help better understand the dynamics of LPC and the knowledge gained can be applied to various materials and components. Moreover, these LPC recipes can be extended to more sophisticated, high-fidelity finite-element models capable of accounting for the entire component geometry. This allows prediction of microstructure phases, carbon, hardness, residual stress, and distortion produced from the whole heat treatment cycle. These results can then be mapped into service-loading models for more accurate predictions of part performance. For companies seeking to stay competitive in high-performance manufacturing, combining LPC with advanced simulation is no longer optional, it is essential. ~HTPro For more information: Jason Meyer, engineer, DANTE Solutions Inc., 7261 Engle Rd., Suite 105, Cleveland, OH 44130, 440.234.8477, jason.meyer@dante-solutions.com. Industrial & Laboratory Furnaces, Ovens & Heaters • Batch or Continuous Processing • Durable Construction • Standard or Fully Customizable • Up to 1800ºC, 3272ºF • Single or Multi-Zone • PLC Controls Available • Made in the USA Since 1971 TC AM&P Ad 1:2pg 110425.indd 1 11/4/25 10:47 AM
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