Kolsterising

Kolsterising (hardening of stainless steel)

DKSE​

Kolsterising® is an effective surface hardening solution that enhances the mechanical and wear-resistant properties.

Hardening increases mechanical and wear-resistant properties

Hardening of stainless steel (S3P) with Kolsterising® is an effective surface hardening solution for austenitic stainless steel, nickel-based alloys, and cobalt-chromium alloys. The hardening increases mechanical and wear-resistant properties without negatively affecting corrosion resistance.

A component made of austenitic stainless steel gains improved mechanical properties when subjected to S3P processes. S3P leads to high wear resistance, ductility, and resistance to galling, while maintaining the base material’s corrosion resistance.

One of the several advantages is that surfaces do not crack or fracture during surface diffusion, which can happen with other coating technologies.

S3P A and Kolsterising® can be used for processes involving austenitic stainless steel, such as duplex stainless and nickel-based materials, including electroless nickel. On the other hand, S3P M can be applied to the treatment of martensitic and precipitation-hardened stainless steel materials.

Benefits of S3P and Kolsterising®

  • No risk of delamination
  • Provides color and dimensional stability
  • No need for post-treatment
  • Eliminates wear from galling and fretting
  • The paramagnetic properties of austenitic materials remain unchanged
  • Increases surface hardness up to 900-1,300 HV0.05, depending on the base material and surface conditions
  • Highly resistant to wear in surface environments such as fretting combined with cavitation erosion and abrasion
  • Properly selected and designed materials and components maintain corrosion resistance

The process is applicable to a wide range of products

S3P processes can be applied to a variety of products, ranging from medical precision tools to automotive components.

Examples include:

  • Consumer goods made of stainless steel that require a resistant surface
  • Requirements for non-galling wear resistance for fluid-handling pumps, valves, and fittings
  • Medical devices that require better wear resistance and fatigue strength, while maintaining a hard, sharp edge
  • Components and fastening mechanisms for ships that need to be scratch- and wear-resistant while maintaining corrosion resistance
  • New challenges for fuel efficiency that require corrosion-resistant and hardened components that can also withstand wear and have a longer lifespan
  • Fastening mechanisms that need to remain corrosion-resistant, non-galling, and wear-resistant, while still being easy to disassemble
  • Food processing equipment and other production line equipment use S3P processes to reduce downtime

Stainless steel alloys and alloys based on electroless nickel or cobalt-chromium can be treated with S3P

Examples include:

  • Martensitic Stainless Steel: AISI 430 and 440
  • Duplex Stainless Steel: UNS S32205 and S32750
  • Nickel-Based Alloys: Hastelloy® and Inconel®
  • Precipitation-Hardened Stainless Steel: PH 17-4 and PH 13-8 Mo
  • Austenitic Stainless Steel: AISI 304, 304L, 316, 316L, and 904L
  • Cobalt-Chromium Alloys: BioDur®, CCM Plus® Alloy, and Stellite®

An S3P treatment involves low-temperature diffusion, where large amounts of carbon and/or nitrogen enter the surface without causing chromium precipitation. No additional chemical elements are introduced during the process, and there is no risk of delamination because S3P neither adds, coats, nor introduces brittle phases into the workpiece.

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