EP2773789A1 - Carbonitriding method having a final nitridation step during temperature decrease - Google Patents

Carbonitriding method having a final nitridation step during temperature decrease

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Publication number
EP2773789A1
EP2773789A1 EP12772768.3A EP12772768A EP2773789A1 EP 2773789 A1 EP2773789 A1 EP 2773789A1 EP 12772768 A EP12772768 A EP 12772768A EP 2773789 A1 EP2773789 A1 EP 2773789A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
temperature
nitriding
phase
process according
rise
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP12772768.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2773789B1 (en
Inventor
Philippe Lapierre
Jérôme LARDINOIS
Yves Giraud
Alfred RALLO
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ECM Technologies SAS
PSA Automobiles SA
Original Assignee
Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
ECM Technologies SAS
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Publication date
Application filed by Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA, ECM Technologies SAS filed Critical Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
Publication of EP2773789A1 publication Critical patent/EP2773789A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2773789B1 publication Critical patent/EP2773789B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
    • C23C8/00—Solid state diffusion of only non-metal elements into metallic material surfaces; Chemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals
    • C23C8/06—Solid state diffusion of only non-metal elements into metallic material surfaces; Chemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals using gases
    • C23C8/28—Solid state diffusion of only non-metal elements into metallic material surfaces; Chemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals using gases more than one element being applied in one step
    • C23C8/30—Carbo-nitriding
    • C23C8/32—Carbo-nitriding of ferrous surfaces
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
    • C23C8/00—Solid state diffusion of only non-metal elements into metallic material surfaces; Chemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals
    • C23C8/02—Pretreatment of the material to be coated
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
    • C23C8/00—Solid state diffusion of only non-metal elements into metallic material surfaces; Chemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals
    • C23C8/06—Solid state diffusion of only non-metal elements into metallic material surfaces; Chemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals using gases
    • C23C8/08—Solid state diffusion of only non-metal elements into metallic material surfaces; Chemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals using gases only one element being applied
    • C23C8/20—Carburising
    • C23C8/22—Carburising of ferrous surfaces
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
    • C23C8/00—Solid state diffusion of only non-metal elements into metallic material surfaces; Chemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals
    • C23C8/06—Solid state diffusion of only non-metal elements into metallic material surfaces; Chemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals using gases
    • C23C8/08—Solid state diffusion of only non-metal elements into metallic material surfaces; Chemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals using gases only one element being applied
    • C23C8/24—Nitriding
    • C23C8/26—Nitriding of ferrous surfaces
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
    • C23C8/00—Solid state diffusion of only non-metal elements into metallic material surfaces; Chemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals
    • C23C8/06—Solid state diffusion of only non-metal elements into metallic material surfaces; Chemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals using gases
    • C23C8/34—Solid state diffusion of only non-metal elements into metallic material surfaces; Chemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals using gases more than one element being applied in more than one step
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
    • C23C8/00—Solid state diffusion of only non-metal elements into metallic material surfaces; Chemical surface treatment of metallic material by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas, leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, e.g. conversion coatings, passivation of metals
    • C23C8/80—After-treatment

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a process for the carbonitriding of steel parts, including, but not limited to, parts used in the manufacture of motor vehicles.
  • the invention also applies to parts used in the manufacture of agricultural machinery, machine tool, or parts in the aeronautical field.
  • the object of the invention is to improve the process of the aforementioned document, that is to say to improve the quality of the parts obtained, preferably with a reduction of the treatment time.
  • the final nitriding step comprises a temperature step.
  • the last nitriding step is thus carried out under optimal conditions.
  • the temperature rise step comprises a simple temperature rise phase followed by an initial nitriding phase with continued rise in temperature.
  • the temperature rise is carried out with a reduced temperature gradient compared to the simple temperature rise phase.
  • the initial nitriding phase is carried out from a temperature between 700 ° C and 750 ° C, and up to a temperature between 860 ° C and 1000 ° C.
  • the method according to the invention comprises a first step of temperature rise comprising a first phase M of simple temperature rise, illustrated by a line in continuous line, from room temperature to at a point at a temperature of 700 ° C, denoted Ni 1 in the figure.
  • the simple temperature rise phase can be carried out up to a temperature of between 700 ° C. and 750 ° C., and has a duration of between 10 minutes and 90 minutes. that is to say that the simple temperature rise is carried out with a temperature gradient of between 8 ° C./min and 75 ° C./min.
  • the method then comprises an initial nitriding phase Ni with continuation of the temperature rise step to a temperature of 940 ° C in the example shown.
  • the temperature of 940 ° C corresponds to a compromise between a temperature of 860 ° C which allows a treatment of better quality and a temperature of 1000 ° C which allows for faster processing.
  • the rise in temperature continues on a regular basis but with a temperature gradient of between 3.5 ° C / min and 16 ° C / min less than the temperature gradient during the simple temperature rise.
  • the duration of the initial nitriding phase is between 15 minutes and 45 minutes, depending on the amount of nitrogen that it is desired to set in this initial step and the composition of the steel to be treated.
  • the initial nitriding phase comprises injection phases of a nitriding gas such as alternating ammonia with diffusion phases.
  • the rise in temperature continues with the same temperature gradient as during the single temperature rise to a point at a temperature comprised between between 750 ° C and 850 ° C, here 800 ° C, denoted Ni2 in the figure.
  • the temperature is then maintained in a step until a moment noted Ni3 in Figure 2 from which a high temperature rise is performed to reach the carburizing temperature.
  • the bearing temperature is chosen in a manner known per se to achieve the initial nitriding phase under optimal conditions given the composition of the parts to be treated. Note in this connection that because of the bearing, the final temperature rise can be carried out very rapidly, for example 80 ° C / min at 100 ° C / min without subjecting the parts to unacceptable constraints.
  • the rise in temperature continues from the point Ni 1 with a lower temperature gradient than in the first mode. embodiment, preferably in a range of 2 ° C / min to 8 ° C / min, up to a moment noted Ni4, here corresponding to a temperature of 850 ° C, from which a high temperature rise is achieved to reach the carburising temperature, according to a gradient similar to that of the second embodiment.
  • the method then comprises n alternating carburizing phases with nitriding phases.
  • the carburizing and nitriding steps comprise alternating treatment gas injection phases with diffusion phases not shown in the figures.
  • the diagram has been interrupted between the nitriding step N1 and the last cementation step Cn.
  • the process comprises a final nitriding step Nn accompanied by a temperature drop.
  • the temperature is lowered continuously to a temperature within the optimum temperature range for nitriding while remaining high enough to allow efficient quenching.
  • the final temperature before quenching is 840 ° C.
  • the final nitriding step has a duration of preferably between 15 minutes and 60 minutes, which corresponds to a temperature gradient of between 10 ° C / min and 1 ° C / min.
  • the final nitriding step preferably comprises alternating nitriding gas injection phases with diffusion phases.
  • the descent of temperature is first of all carried out in a strong manner, with a gradient as strong as possible without causing undue stresses in the steel, up to the optimum nitriding temperature for the steel being treated, noted Nn1 in the figure, here 840 ° C, and then the temperature is maintained at a plateau until the beginning of quenching.
  • the method according to the invention can be implemented by combining any of the embodiments of the initial nitriding phase with any of the embodiments of the final nitriding phase. It will be noted that because of the increased efficiency of the nitriding phases according to the invention it is possible to replace at least one nitriding step between two carburizing steps by a simple diffusion step. Such a step is shorter than a nitriding step so that the total duration of the treatment is shortened.
  • the initial rise in temperature can be carried out according to a constant gradient as illustrated by a dashed line in the figure.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the carbonitriding of steel parts, in particular parts used in the manufacture of automobiles, comprising: a heating step that includes a simple heating phase (M) followed by an initial nitridation phase (Ni) from a temperature between 700°C and 750° C to a temperature between 860° C and 1000° C and is carried out using a reduced temperature gradient compared to the simple heating phase; and alternate cementing (C1-Cn) and nitridation (N1- Nn) steps at constant temperature; wherein the final nitridation step is accompanied with a decrease in temperature immediately before quenching (T).

Description

PROCÉDÉ DE CARBONITRURATION À ÉTAPE DE NITRURATION FINALE PENDANT UNE DESCENTE DE TEMPÉRATURE  METHOD FOR CARBONITURING AT FINAL NITRIDATION STEP DURING TEMPERATURE LOWERING
[0001 ] La présente invention revendique la priorité de la demande française 1 159878 déposée le 31 octobre 201 1 dont le contenu (texte, dessins et revendications) est ici incorporé par référence. The present invention claims the priority of the French application 1 159878 filed October 31, 201 1 whose content (text, drawings and claims) is here incorporated by reference.
[ooo2] La présente invention concerne un procédé de carbonitruration de pièces en acier, notamment bien que non exclusivement, des pièces entrant dans la fabrication de véhicules automobiles. En particulier l'invention s'applique également à des pièces entrant dans la fabrication de machines agricoles, de machine-outil, ou à des pièces dans le domaine aéronautique. The present invention relates to a process for the carbonitriding of steel parts, including, but not limited to, parts used in the manufacture of motor vehicles. In particular the invention also applies to parts used in the manufacture of agricultural machinery, machine tool, or parts in the aeronautical field.
ARRIÈRE-PLAN DE L'INVENTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[ooo3] On connaît du document EP 1885904, un procédé de carbonitruration de pièces en acier comportant des étapes alternées de cémentation et de nitruration à température constante, précédées d'une étape de montée en température et d'une étape d'égalisation en température, et suivies d'une étape de trempe. En variante il est proposé d'injecter un gaz de nitruration pendant l'étape de montée en température et/ou pendant l'étape d'égalisation en température, à partir d'une température de 800 °C. OBJET DE L'INVENTION [Ooo3] Document EP 1885904 discloses a process for the carbonitriding of steel parts comprising alternating steps of carburizing and nitriding at a constant temperature, preceded by a temperature rise step and a temperature equalization step. followed by a quenching step. Alternatively it is proposed to inject a nitriding gas during the temperature rise step and / or during the temperature equalization step, from a temperature of 800 ° C. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[ooo4] Le but de l'invention est d'améliorer le procédé du document précité, c'est-à-dire d'améliorer la qualité des pièces obtenues, de préférence avec une réduction du temps de traitement. The object of the invention is to improve the process of the aforementioned document, that is to say to improve the quality of the parts obtained, preferably with a reduction of the treatment time.
BRÈVE DESCRIPTION DE L'INVENTION [0005] En vue de la réalisation de ce but, on propose selon l'invention un procédé de carbonitruration de pièces en acier, notamment des pièces entrant dans la fabrication de véhicules automobiles, comportant des étapes alternées de cémentation et de nitruration à température constante, précédées d'une étape de montée en température, et suivies d'une étape de trempe , dans lequel l'étape de nitruration finale est accompagnée d'une descente de température immédiatement avant la trempe . [ooo6] En effet, selon une constatation qui fait déjà partie de l'invention, il a été observé qu'il était possible de démarrer la trempe à partir d'une température plus basse que la température de cémentation. Une descente de température pendant la dernière étape de nitruration permet donc d'effectuer celle-ci dans des conditions plus favorables à une bonne nitruration. [ooo7] Selon une version avantageuse de l'invention, l'étape de nitruration finale comporte un palier de température. On effectue ainsi la dernière étape de nitruration dans des conditions optimales. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0005] With a view to attaining this object, it is proposed according to the invention a carbonitriding process for steel parts, in particular parts used in the manufacture of motor vehicles, comprising alternating steps. carburizing and nitriding at constant temperature, preceded by a temperature rise step, and followed by a quenching step, wherein the final nitriding step is accompanied by a lowering temperature immediately before quenching. [ooo6] Indeed, according to a finding that is already part of the invention, it was observed that it was possible to start the quenching from a temperature lower than the carburizing temperature. A lowering of temperature during the last nitriding step therefore makes it possible to perform this under conditions more favorable to good nitriding. [Ooo7] According to an advantageous version of the invention, the final nitriding step comprises a temperature step. The last nitriding step is thus carried out under optimal conditions.
[ooo8] Selon un autre aspect avantageux de l'invention l'étape de montée en température comprend une phase de montée en température simple suivie d'une phase de nitruration initiale avec poursuite de la montée en température. De préférence, pendant la phase de nitruration initiale la montée en température est effectuée avec un gradient de température réduit par rapport à la phase de montée en température simple. Ainsi, sans augmenter la durée du traitement on augmente l'enrichissement en azote qui est effectué dans des conditions favorables à une bonne nitruration de sorte qu'il est possible de raccourcir ou de supprimer l'une des étapes de nitruration ultérieure et de réduire ainsi le temps de traitement total. [Ooo8] According to another advantageous aspect of the invention the temperature rise step comprises a simple temperature rise phase followed by an initial nitriding phase with continued rise in temperature. Preferably, during the initial nitriding phase the temperature rise is carried out with a reduced temperature gradient compared to the simple temperature rise phase. Thus, without increasing the duration of the treatment, the nitrogen enrichment which is carried out under favorable conditions for good nitriding is increased so that it is possible to shorten or eliminate one of the subsequent nitriding steps and thus reduce the total treatment time.
[ooo9] Selon encore un autre aspect avantageux de l'invention, la phase de nitruration initiale est réalisée à partir d'une température comprise entre 700 °C et 750 °C, et jusqu'à une température comprise entre 860 °C et 1000°C. [Ooo9] According to yet another advantageous aspect of the invention, the initial nitriding phase is carried out from a temperature between 700 ° C and 750 ° C, and up to a temperature between 860 ° C and 1000 ° C.
BRÈVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINS BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[ooi o] D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui suit de différents modes de mise en œuvre particuliers non limitatifs du procédé de carbonitruration basse pression selon l'invention, en référence aux 3 figures annexées qui sont des diagrammes schématiques illustrant les différentes étapes du procédé selon l'invention selon différents variantes de réalisation. DESCRIPTION DÉTAILLÉE DE L'INVENTION [Ooi o] Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of different modes of implementation non-limiting particulars of the low pressure carbonitriding process according to the invention, with reference to the 3 appended figures which are diagrammatic diagrams illustrating the different steps of the method according to the invention according to different embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[ooi i] En référence à la figure 1 , le procédé selon l'invention comporte une première étape de montée en température comprenant une première phase M de montée en température simple, illustrée par une droite en trait continu, depuis la température ambiante jusqu'à un point à une température de 700 °C, noté Ni 1 sur la figure. En fonction de la composition de l'acier à traiter, la phase de montée en température simple peut être effectuée jusqu'à une température comprise entre 700 °C et 750 °C, et a une durée comprise entre 10 mn et 90 mn c'est-à-dire que la montée en température simple est effectuée avec un gradient de température compris entre 8°C/mn et 75°C/mn. [0012] Le procédé comporte ensuite une phase de nitruration initiale Ni avec poursuite de l'étape de montée en température jusqu'à une température de 940 °C dans l'exemple illustré. En pratique la température de 940 °C correspond à un compromis entre une température de 860 °C qui permet de réaliser un traitement de meilleure qualité et une température de 1000°C qui permet de réaliser un traitement plus rapide. [Ooi i] Referring to Figure 1, the method according to the invention comprises a first step of temperature rise comprising a first phase M of simple temperature rise, illustrated by a line in continuous line, from room temperature to at a point at a temperature of 700 ° C, denoted Ni 1 in the figure. Depending on the composition of the steel to be treated, the simple temperature rise phase can be carried out up to a temperature of between 700 ° C. and 750 ° C., and has a duration of between 10 minutes and 90 minutes. that is to say that the simple temperature rise is carried out with a temperature gradient of between 8 ° C./min and 75 ° C./min. The method then comprises an initial nitriding phase Ni with continuation of the temperature rise step to a temperature of 940 ° C in the example shown. In practice the temperature of 940 ° C corresponds to a compromise between a temperature of 860 ° C which allows a treatment of better quality and a temperature of 1000 ° C which allows for faster processing.
[0013] Dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 1 , correspondant à un premier mode de réalisation de la phase de nitruration initiale, la montée en température se poursuit de façon régulière mais avec un gradient de température compris entre 3,5°C/mn et 16°C/mn inférieur au gradient de température pendant la montée en température simple. La durée de la phase de nitruration initiale est comprise entre 15 mn et 45 mn, en fonction de la quantité d'azote que l'on souhaite fixer dans cette étape initiale et de la composition de l'acier à traiter. [0014] De façon connue en soi la phase de nitruration initiale comporte des phases d'injection d'un gaz nitrurant tel que de l'ammoniac alternées avec des phases de diffusion. In the embodiment of Figure 1, corresponding to a first embodiment of the initial nitriding phase, the rise in temperature continues on a regular basis but with a temperature gradient of between 3.5 ° C / min and 16 ° C / min less than the temperature gradient during the simple temperature rise. The duration of the initial nitriding phase is between 15 minutes and 45 minutes, depending on the amount of nitrogen that it is desired to set in this initial step and the composition of the steel to be treated. In known manner the initial nitriding phase comprises injection phases of a nitriding gas such as alternating ammonia with diffusion phases.
[0015] Selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de la phase de nitruration initiale, illustré par la figure 2, la montée en température se poursuit avec le même gradient de température que pendant la montée en température simple jusqu'à un point à une température comprise entre 750 °C et 850 °C, ici 800 °C, noté Ni2 sur la figure. La température est alors maintenue selon un palier jusqu'à un instant noté Ni3 sur la figure 2 à partir duquel une montée en température forte est réalisée pour atteindre la température de cémentation. According to a second embodiment of the initial nitriding phase, illustrated in FIG. 2, the rise in temperature continues with the same temperature gradient as during the single temperature rise to a point at a temperature comprised between between 750 ° C and 850 ° C, here 800 ° C, denoted Ni2 in the figure. The temperature is then maintained in a step until a moment noted Ni3 in Figure 2 from which a high temperature rise is performed to reach the carburizing temperature.
[0016] La température du palier est choisie de façon connue en soi pour réaliser la phase de nitruration initiale dans des conditions optimales compte tenu de la composition des pièces à traiter. On notera à ce propos qu'en raison du palier, la montée en température finale peut s'effectuer de façon très rapide, par exemple 80°C/mn à 100°C/mn sans soumettre les pièces à des contraintes inacceptables. The bearing temperature is chosen in a manner known per se to achieve the initial nitriding phase under optimal conditions given the composition of the parts to be treated. Note in this connection that because of the bearing, the final temperature rise can be carried out very rapidly, for example 80 ° C / min at 100 ° C / min without subjecting the parts to unacceptable constraints.
[0017] Selon un troisième mode de réalisation de la phase de nitruration initiale, illustré à l'aide de la figure 3, la montée en température se poursuit à partir du point Ni 1 avec un gradient de température plus faible que dans le premier mode de réalisation, de préférence compris dans une plage de 2°C/mn à 8°C/mn, jusqu'à un instant noté Ni4, correspondant ici à une température de 850 °C, à partir duquel une montée en température forte est réalisée pour atteindre la température de cémentation, selon un gradient analogue à celui du deuxième mode de réalisation. [0018] Quel que soit le mode de réalisation utilisé pour la phase de nitruration initiale, le procédé comporte ensuite n phases de cémentation alternées avec des phases de nitruration. De façon connue en soi les étapes de cémentation et de nitruration comprennent des phases d'injection d'un gaz de traitement alternées avec des phases de diffusion non représentées sur les figures. Sur la figure, le diagramme a été interrompu entre l'étape de nitruration N1 et la dernière étape de cémentation Cn. À l'issue de cette dernière étape de cémentation Cn, le procédé comporte une étape de nitruration finale Nn accompagnée d'une descente de température immédiatement avant la trempe T. According to a third embodiment of the initial nitriding phase, illustrated with the aid of FIG. 3, the rise in temperature continues from the point Ni 1 with a lower temperature gradient than in the first mode. embodiment, preferably in a range of 2 ° C / min to 8 ° C / min, up to a moment noted Ni4, here corresponding to a temperature of 850 ° C, from which a high temperature rise is achieved to reach the carburising temperature, according to a gradient similar to that of the second embodiment. Whatever the embodiment used for the initial nitriding phase, the method then comprises n alternating carburizing phases with nitriding phases. In a manner known per se, the carburizing and nitriding steps comprise alternating treatment gas injection phases with diffusion phases not shown in the figures. On the FIG. 4, the diagram has been interrupted between the nitriding step N1 and the last cementation step Cn. At the end of this last cementation step Cn, the process comprises a final nitriding step Nn accompanied by a temperature drop. immediately before T quenching
[0019] Selon un premier mode de réalisation de la dernière étape de nitruration Nn, illustré par un trait en tirets courts sur la figure, la descente de température est effectuée de façon continue jusqu'à une température comprise dans la plage de température optimale pour la nitruration tout en restant suffisamment élevée pour permettre une trempe efficace. Dans l'exemple illustré la température finale avant la trempe est de 840 °C. En pratique des résultats satisfaisants sont obtenus pour une température finale avant la trempe comprise entre 900 °C et 800 °C. Il a été constaté que cette descente limitée de température diminue la contrainte sur les pièces lors de la trempe. [0020] L'étape de nitruration finale à une durée de préférence comprise entre 15 mn et 60 mn, ce qui correspond à un gradient de température compris entre 10°C/mn et 1 °C/mn. Comme pour la phase de nitruration initiale, l'étape de nitruration finale comporte de préférence des phases d'injection d'un gaz nitrurant alternées avec des phases de diffusion. [0021 ] Selon un second mode de réalisation de la dernière étape de nitruration Nn, illustré à la figure 2, la descente de température est tout d'abord effectuée de façon forte, avec un gradient aussi fort que possible sans engendrer des contraintes indues dans l'acier, jusqu'à la température de nitruration optimale pour l'acier en cours de traitement, notée Nn1 sur la figure, ici 840°C, puis la température est maintenue à un palier jusqu'au début de la trempe. According to a first embodiment of the last nitriding step Nn, illustrated by a dashed line in the figure, the temperature is lowered continuously to a temperature within the optimum temperature range for nitriding while remaining high enough to allow efficient quenching. In the example illustrated, the final temperature before quenching is 840 ° C. In practice, satisfactory results are obtained for a final temperature before quenching between 900 ° C. and 800 ° C. It has been found that this limited descent of temperature decreases the stress on the parts during quenching. The final nitriding step has a duration of preferably between 15 minutes and 60 minutes, which corresponds to a temperature gradient of between 10 ° C / min and 1 ° C / min. As for the initial nitriding phase, the final nitriding step preferably comprises alternating nitriding gas injection phases with diffusion phases. According to a second embodiment of the last nitriding step Nn, illustrated in FIG. 2, the descent of temperature is first of all carried out in a strong manner, with a gradient as strong as possible without causing undue stresses in the steel, up to the optimum nitriding temperature for the steel being treated, noted Nn1 in the figure, here 840 ° C, and then the temperature is maintained at a plateau until the beginning of quenching.
[0022] En pratique le procédé selon l'invention peut être mis en œuvre en combinant l'un quelconque des modes de réalisation de la phase de nitruration initiale avec l'un quelconque des modes de réalisation de la phase de nitruration finale. [0023] On remarquera qu'en raison de l'efficacité accrue des phases de nitruration selon l'invention il est possible de remplacer au moins une étape de nitruration comprise entre deux étapes de cémentation par une étape de diffusion simple. Une telle étape est plus courte qu'une étape de nitruration de sorte que la durée totale du traitement est raccourcie. In practice, the method according to the invention can be implemented by combining any of the embodiments of the initial nitriding phase with any of the embodiments of the final nitriding phase. It will be noted that because of the increased efficiency of the nitriding phases according to the invention it is possible to replace at least one nitriding step between two carburizing steps by a simple diffusion step. Such a step is shorter than a nitriding step so that the total duration of the treatment is shortened.
[0024] Bien entendu l'invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de mise en œuvre décrits et on peut y apporter des variantes de réalisation sans sortir du cadre de l'invention telle que définie par les revendications. En particulier la montée en température initiale peut-être effectuée selon un gradient constant comme illustré par un trait en pointillés sur la figure. Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and can be made alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, the initial rise in temperature can be carried out according to a constant gradient as illustrated by a dashed line in the figure.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Procédé de carbonitruration de pièces en acier, notamment des pièces entrant dans la fabrication de véhicules automobiles, comportant des étapes alternées de cémentation (C1 -Cn) et de nitruration (N1 -Nn-1 ) à température 1. Process for carbonitriding steel parts, in particular parts used in the manufacture of motor vehicles, comprising alternating steps of carburizing (C1-Cn) and nitriding (N1 -Nn-1) at temperature
5 constante, précédées d'une étape de montée en température, et suivies d'une étape de trempe (T), caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte une étape de nitruration finale (Nn) accompagnée d'une descente de température immédiatement avant la trempe (T). 5 constant, preceded by a step of temperature rise, and followed by a quenching step (T), characterized in that it comprises a final nitriding step (Nn) accompanied by a temperature drop immediately before the quenching (T).
2. Procédé de carbonitruration selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce0 que la descente de température est effectuée jusqu'à une température comprise entre 900 °C et 800 °C. 2. Carbonitriding process according to claim 1, characterized in that the descent of temperature is carried out up to a temperature between 900 ° C and 800 ° C.
3. Procédé de carbonitruration selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que la descente de température est effectuée avec un gradient de température compris entre 10°C/mn et 1 °C/mn. 53. carbonitriding process according to claim 1, characterized in that the descent of temperature is carried out with a temperature gradient of between 10 ° C / min and 1 ° C / min. 5
4. Procédé de carbonitruration selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que l'étape de nitruration finale comporte un palier de température (Nn2). 4. carbonitriding process according to claim 1, characterized in that the final nitriding step comprises a temperature step (Nn2).
5. Procédé de carbonitruration selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que l'étape de montée en température comprend une phase de montée en température simple (M) suivie d'une phase de nitruration initiale (Ni) avec o poursuite de la montée en température. 5. carbonitriding process according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature rise step comprises a single temperature rise phase (M) followed by an initial nitriding phase (Ni) with o continuing the rise in temperature.
6. Procédé de carbonitruration selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que la phase de nitruration initiale (Ni) est réalisée à partir d'une température comprise entre 700 °C et 750 °C, et jusqu'à une température comprise entre 860°C et 1000°C. 56. carbonitriding process according to claim 5, characterized in that the initial nitriding phase (Ni) is carried out from a temperature between 700 ° C and 750 ° C, and up to a temperature between 860 ° C and 1000 ° C. 5
7. Procédé de carbonitruration selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que pendant la phase de nitruration initiale (N1 ) la montée en température est effectuée avec un gradient de température réduit par rapport à la phase de montée en température simple (M). 7. carbonitriding process according to claim 5, characterized in that during the initial nitriding phase (N1) the rise in temperature is carried out with a reduced temperature gradient compared to the phase of single temperature rise (M).
8. Procédé de carbonitruration selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que la phase de nitruration initiale (Ni) comporte un palier de température (Ni2- Ni3). 8. carbonitriding process according to claim 7, characterized in that the initial nitriding phase (Ni) comprises a temperature step (Ni2-Ni3).
9. Procédé de carbonitruration selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que la phase de nitruration initiale (N1 ) est immédiatement suivie d'une première étape de cémentation (C1 ). 9. carbonitriding process according to claim 7, characterized in that the initial nitriding phase (N1) is immediately followed by a first cementation step (C1).
10. Procédé de carbonitruration selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que la phase de nitruration initiale (N1 ) est effectuée avec un gradient de température compris entre 3,5°C/mn et 10°C/mn. 10. carbonitriding process according to claim 5, characterized in that the initial nitriding phase (N1) is carried out with a temperature gradient of between 3.5 ° C / min and 10 ° C / min.
EP12772768.3A 2011-10-31 2012-10-08 Carbonitriding method having a final nitridation step during temperature decrease Active EP2773789B1 (en)

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FR1159878A FR2981949B1 (en) 2011-10-31 2011-10-31 PROCESS FOR CARBONITURING AT FINAL NITRIDATION STEP DURING TEMPERATURE DESCENT
PCT/EP2012/069890 WO2013064337A1 (en) 2011-10-31 2012-10-08 Carbonitriding method having a final nitridation step during temperature decrease

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FR1159878A (en) 1956-10-17 1958-07-03 Winch particularly intended to be mounted on a motor vehicle
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