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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method for producing hard-surfaced tools and machine components

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6270033
In one aspect, the invention comprises a method for producing tools and machine components having superhard crystalline-ceramic work surfaces. Broadly, the method comprises two steps: A tool or machine component having a ceramic near-surface region is mounted in ion-implantation apparatus. The region then is implanted with metal ions to form, in the region, a metastable alloy of the ions and said ceramic. The region containing the alloy is characterized by a significant increase in hardness properties, such as microhardness, fracture-toughness, and/or scratch-resistance. The resulting improved article has good thermal stability at temperatures characteristic of typical tool and machine-component uses. The method is relatively simple and reproducible.
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
Patent Number(s):
US 4532149
OSTI ID:
6270033
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English