Kolsterising®

AISI 316
Corrosion resistant surface hardening
of austenitic stainless steel AISI 304

Duplex
Hastelloy®

Inconel®

There is a growing demand for increased corrosion resistance
in many applications. Austenitic stainless steels meet the
corrosion resistance required in a host of environments.
But the use of austenitic stainless steels is limited due to
the low hardness, low wear resistance and the risk of galling.
Since these steels can not be hardened by conventional
heat treatment processes without reducing/losing the
corrosion resistance, there was no possibility to extend
their application range.

Kolsterising®

Purpose of the treatment Kolsterising® does not apply a coating on the surface but results
Kolsterising® improves the wear resistance of austenitic stainless in a pure diffusion zone from the surface inwards, with excellent
steel parts, without affecting the corrosion resistance. Austenitic toughness and no risk of delamination or peeling. Kolsterising®
stainless steels which contain molybdenum, e.g. 316, even show increases the surface hardness of austenitic stainless steels to a
enhanced corrosion resistance after Kolsterising®. level of 1000 to 1200 HV 0.05 comparable with 70 - 74 HRc.
This corresponds to the hardness of HSS drills. Although there
are no limitations to depth, two standard treatments are currently
Improvement of the wear resistance,
offered with effective hardening depths of 22µm and 33µm being
also inside small bores
achieved. Kolsterised components exhibit excellent fatigue properties
Prevention of “galling“ due to high compressive stresses obtained in the kolsterised case.
Full retention of corrosion resistance
Retention of non-magnetic properties
Improvement of the fatigue strength
No addition of elements which were not
already present in the material

Kolsterising® is a treatment which involves diffusion of large quantities of carbon

into the surface without the formation of chromium carbides. No addition of elements
which were not already present prior to Kolsterising®. The risk of peeling is absent
since Kolsterising neither adds a coating nor introduces brittle phases in the material.

Kolsterising® is a registered trademark of

Bodycote International plc.

Hastelloy® is a registered trademark of

Haynes International Inc.

Inconel® is a registered trademark of Inco

Alloys International Inc.
Kolsterising® offers the solution for austenitic stainless steels
by improving mechanical - wear properties without affecting
corrosion resistance adversely. Kolsterising® is a proven
process extending the life of products thereby imparting
economical advantages as well as technical advantages.
Kolsterising® is the chosen treatment for many applications
in most industrial areas including food, marine, engineering,
medical, chemical and nuclear. Wherever components are
subjected to severe wear and corrosion attack, Kolsterising®
is now the technically most advanced process offering the
required quality to industry

Kolsterising®

Materials selection Examples of treatable materials

In principle, any austenitic stainless steel can be kolsterised.
A286
However, the preferred type is one containing molybdenum and is
ferrite free, since this results in greatly increased resistance to pitting, 304, 304L, 316, 316L
crevice and stress corrosion. Kolsterising® of duplex stainless Duplex stainless steel (e.g. 2205®, 2507®)
steel and a number of nickel base alloys is also possible.
Hastelloy C22 and C 276®

Properties/Characteristics of kolsterised products Inconel 625 and 718®

No change in shape or size

If you apply another material we will be pleased
No change in surface roughness to check whether it is treatable.
No change in colour
Increased surface hardness to 1000 - 1200 HV 0.05
(70 - 74 HRc)
No elements are added which were not already
present prior to treatment
The non-magnetic behaviour of austenitic
materials is not altered Kolsterising® results in a wear resistant surface all over the part, irrespective of
geometry. Also very small bores (Ø < 0,1 mm) and sharp edges can be kolsterised.
Insensitive to “galling“
Highly resistant to wear (e.g. by cavitation-erosion)
Uniformly hardened also at sharp edges and even
inside bores, cavities and gaps measuring just a
few microns
Corrosion resistance unchanged or even improved
in case of a stainless steel containing molybdenum
Quality Assured
When a customer entrusts their product to another for
specialised treatment, they have to be confident that
their product and reputation are in safe hands.
Throughout the Bodycote Group, investment in world
class quality is continuous, providing the level of assurance
demanded by our clients. Many are long term customers
and several are in partnerships with Bodycote companies.
Attaining the latest quality accreditations assures our
clients of Bodycote’s commitment to quality.

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Bodycote Materials Testing USA

Headquarters
7530 Frontage Road . Skokie
Illinois . 60077 . USA
Tel: +1 888 263 9268
Fax: +1 847 676 3065
Online: www.bodycote.com

Bodycote Thermal Processing Bodycote Hot Isostatic Pressing Bodycote Materials Testing Canada, Inc Bodycote Metallurgical Coatings
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Tel: +1 214 904 2420 Tel: +1 978 470 1620 Tel: +1 866 263 9268 Tel: +1 336 665 0005
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Online: www.bodycote.com Online: www.bodycote.com Online: www.bodycote.com Online: www.bodycote.com

BODYCOTE KOLSTERISING NORTH AMERICA

303 WAGNER DRIVE

BOAZ . ALABAMA . 35957

TEL: 330 418 5002

FAX: 603 720 6036

email: info@bodycote-na.com

www.bodycote.com
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