Austinetic Stainless Steel (316) 1

[SpeedOnIce]

Hi I have a question: I have a (316) austinetic stainless steel pipe that I am looking to harden not sure how to go about this process.
I was thinking induction? Or: EndurAlloy a boronizing process. (

http://www.endurancetechnologies.com)

The pipe is meant to go on the bottom of a sled that rides on ice aprox. 120-130km/hr. The idea is that the harder the steel the less heat transfer between the ice and steel which should translate into faster speeds.
I have tried cryogenic treating it has resulted in a nicer polish smoother finsh but thats about it.
I have thought about coating but the steel can not change color (grey) and I have yet to find a coating or method that would not negatively effect the steels coefficent of friction value. I have had some tests done and the pipe already posesses a low RA value so smoothnes is not an issue but hardness is.

Any help would be apreciated. The more info the better.

 

[saberblue]

all kinds of steel can be carbide coated by many different processes -- we frequently see in in air craft landing gears etc.

 

[SpeedOnIce]

Ok guys I want to start off by thanking everyone for their help you have all been amazing. Here is an update on what I have been experimenting with!

1)I tried the boronizing and needless to say it did not work the whole length turned dark grey almost black the groves were also distorted. So that was a no go! The stamps well those were a write off.

2)I have also tried a coating "Chromium Nitriding" this turned the steel a grey color not good but on the plus side the groves were unaltered.

3) Kolestering which was mentioned here sounds like an awesome idea, unfortunately the size of the steel is to long. Body Cote did offer an alternative in France called Novix, has anyone heard of this treatment?

This is where I need some assistance. I have been reading about "Ion Implants" from what I understand this can improve wear resisitance, increase surface hardness, improve glide properties all without altering the color or damaging the surface of the steel. Aperantly it even works on steel that has been polished to a high shine.
I have yet to find anywhere in North America well even the World that offers this service. Does anyone know of a company I could contact. Or even if I am posting this question in the right forum.

Thanks, in advance.

 

[arunmrao]

You can contact Mr David Pye from Pye Metallurgical Consulting. He can be able to assist you in locating a source for ion /plasma nitriding.

http://www.pyemet.com/

Chocolates,men,coffee: are somethings liked better rich!!
(noticed in a coffee shop)

 

[jbel]

Swagelok SAT12 is a new austenitic stainless surface hardening process.

See the link below

http://www.swagelok.com/products/sat12.htm?301Red=Y