NITROGEN-BASED CARBON CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE - AN ALTERNATIVE TO ENDOTHERMIC GAS.

A synthetic three-component gas mixture which forms an atmosphere of controlled carbon potential within the heat treatment furnace is described. Predominantly composed of nitrogen, the atmosphere, known as NCC, offers an alternative to endothermic gas and eliminates the need for a separate generator. Treatments currently using endothermic gas as the process atmosphere (e. g. , carburizing, carbonitriding, clean hardening and sintering) can now be carried out using NCC, with improved safety due to its inherently high nitrogen content. Any carbon potential required can be achieved and maintained easily and accurately, with normal monitoring and control techniques.