What is Cementation? Thermochemical treatments

The cementation is a unique process that allows the hardening of steel surfaces without losing the ductility of the core part. One of the most old process for hardening of steel surface, but largely applied for axles and cams, it can be used in brass and copper, but its more common in steel. Parts made of steel with medium or high percentage of carbon that will suffer severe bending operations, tend to crack. However, if they are made with low carbon steel (for example, SAE 1010) and then are shaped and cemented, its possible to have a good result without the pieces run the risk of cracking. The cementation can be performed in solid, gaseous or liquid methods.