Abstract: A control system for heat-treating parts in a furnace structure is provided. A plurality of processing chambers, each having at least one part position, are adapted to simultaneously process a plurality of parts each for a respective predetermined processing time. A memory device stores first records representing processing times associated with each of the parts within each processing chamber, second records representing a desired processing path associated with each part through at least one processing chamber, and third records representing the number and location of occupied part positions within each processing chamber. A computerized control center calculates desired processing times associated with at least one processing chamber for a new part to be processed in the processing chamber.

Abstract: A process for forming a carburized steel article includes carburizing a steel material containing not more than 0.10% silicon and less than 1.1% chromium to form an austenitic surface matrix having a high density of carbides dispersed therein. After quenching, the carburized steel article is characterized by an outer surface having a high ratio of carbides and is substantially free of intergranular oxides. As a result of preventing undesirable surface oxide formations and simultaneously providing a beneficial surface carbide structure, the bending fatigue strength, wear properties, and contact fatigue strength of articles such as gears, shafts, bearings and couplings are greatly enhanced.