Lubricated low temperature carburized stainless steel parts
OwnerPeter C. Williamsinventor
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Abstract
The surfaces of a stainless steel part are made harder without sacrificing corrosion resistance by subjecting the part to low temperature carburization. The soot layer formed as a by-product of carburization is then removed without removing the non-coherent metal oxide layer which also forms as a by-product. A solid lubricant is then applied to reduce the coefficient of friction of the carburized surface. The by-product metal oxide layer acts as an anchor keeping the solid lubricant in place.
Claims16
A stainless steel part having at least one carburized surface substantially free of carbide precipitates, the part further comprising an metal oxide layer on the carburized surface and a solid lubricant on the metal oxide layer.
A process for enhancing the slipperiness of the carburized surface of a stainless steel part, the carburized surface being produced by low temperature carburization whereby the carburized surface is substantially free of carbide precipitates, the process comprising coating the metal oxide layer produced as a by-product of carburization with a solid lubricant.
A stainless steel part having at least one carburized surface substantially free of carbide precipitates, the part further comprising an adherent, non-coherent metal oxide layer on the carburized surface and a solid lubricant on the metal oxide layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.