EndurAlon FAQs
Is EndurAlon a coating?
EndurAlon is a diffusion alloying process, NOT a coating. It diffuses aluminum molecules directly into the substrate of steel. Coating, such as hard chrome, simply makes an interface with the host material and can separate.
What is EndurAlon? How does it work?
EnurAlon is our trademarked Enduralizing process, referred to as diffusion alloying, pack cementation and chemical vapour deposition (CVD). Our technicians fill a steel tube full of aluminum and enriched elements referred to as “pack”. The tube is loaded into a custom built tubing furnace and heated to a pre-determined temperature for a specified period of time. The heat vaporizes the aluminum enriched pack composition, which diffuses into the substrate of the tube.
What are the turn around time for EndurAlon products?
Process tubing depends on the volume of tubes ordered. Processing for other parts generally takes two to five weeks, depending on the size and material of the part. Rush jobs can sometimes be completed more quickly. Cool down duration is subject to the mass of the retorting and required mechanical properties.
What is the diffusion zone thickness or case depth of EndurAlon?
The normal thickness for the alloy formed is about 0.003” (0.076mm) for austenitic grades of steel, cobalt-based alloys, and super alloys: 0.005” (.127mm) for ferritic alloys and about 0.007” (0.178 mm) minimum for carbon steels. The case depth can be substantially thicker when required on many materials.
Can EndurAlon be performed on the outside and inside diameter?
EndurAlon can be performed on any or all surfaces of tubes or parts. Areas not to be alonized can be masked off to protect them. This is quite common for boiler tubes being fabricated into tube sheets.
Can EundurAlon be applied to other products?
The EndurAlon process can be applied to a wide range of materials used in many different industries where carburization, sulfidation, oxidation and corrosive environments exist.
What is the largest part that can be processed?
Parts up to 10,000 lbs or six feet in diameter can be processed.
What is the largest tube that can be processed?
We can process pipe/tubing up to 45 feet in length and from very small to very large diameters. Normal tube diameters are limited to five inches, but custom fixturing can accommodate large diameters.
What materials can be Alonized?
Plain carbon steel with no, or few, alloys is the best material. We can also treat low alloy steels, stainless steels, iron/nickle/cobalt superalloys and copper-based alloys.
What happens to the mechanical properties of the substrate materials?
The mechanical properties vary from material to material after processing. Test data is available. Tensile and yield for large size projects can be provided at an additional cost.
What is the maximum operating temperature of the Alonized surface?
The maximum continuous operating temperature is 1750 degrees F or 955 degrees C.
Can alonized surfaces be machined?
Yes, depending on the thickness of the case depth. Machining of the surface of a processed component will reduce the case depth of the diffused zone.
Can I weld to an alonized surface?
Yes, this is possible.
Can the alonized surface be repaired if the diffused surface is damaged?
No, but the part can be processed again to re-establish the alonized surface.
More Information:
Jim Wyatt
jimw@endurancetechnologies.com
(403)236-6081Matt Van Den Berge
mattv@endurancetechnologies.com
(403)236-6086
