Stratified enriched zones formed by the gas phase carburization and the slow cooling of cemented carbide substrates, and methods of manufacture

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Processes are disclosed in which cemented carbide parts having a wide range of initial carbon levels and a wide range of, sizes, can be carburized to a critical carbon level and then, slow cooled at various rates to yield stratified enriched zones, in the near-surface region of said parts. The enriched zones are characterized by the cobalt content decreasing and the, microhardness increasing, continuously through the enriched zones, and approaching values characteristic of the interior. The combination of stratified enriched zones in the near surface region and the 6% binder interior provide the toughness and deformation resistance required for heavy roughing applications. A wide variety of …