Carbide Stability Parameter
Carbide stability parameter measures the binding energy between carbon and metals like chromium, tungsten, or vanadium. Higher stability prevents coarsening of special carbides at high temperatures.
Physical-chemical mechanism of action
The carbide stability parameter indicates how strongly carbon is bonded to certain metals. With high-energy bonds, the carbon remains in the alloy and forms stable special carbides.
Metallurgical relevance & risks when welding
High carbide stability prevents carbon from exchanging out of the alloy and leading to coarsening of carbides. This is especially important at high application temperatures where coarsening can be dangerous. With low stability, gear wear or other mechanical issues can occur.
Workshop practice & instructions
To ensure high carbide stability at high temperatures, welding parameters such as temperature and time must be exactly followed. If necessary, the carbon content in the alloy can be adjusted to achieve the desired stability.