Expanite – Replacing Tungsten Carbide Coating On Stainless Steel
“Recently, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of precision nozzles and nozzle systems has converted from tungsten carbide coatings to Expanite® surface hardening after experiencing quality issues with the coating cracking off. In cooperation with Expanite, the company found a hardening solution that made the surface of the nozzles resistant against chipping, cracking, delamination, etc.
The specific customer performed field tests over a period of several months where the results from Expanite hardened nozzles showed significant increased lifetime without any premature failure. Based on the test results, the conversion to Expanite hardening was implemented.
“It is far less expensive to apply Expanite hardening compared to many of the exotic coatings, hence the conversion resulted in better performance while reducing cost,” explained the customer. “By converting from a coating to a diffusion hardening process, issues with adhesion where eliminated, again whilst ensuring superior wear and corrosion resistance.”