Abstract: A method for carburizing workpieces made of steel, particularly workpieces having outer and inner surfaces, the workpiece being held at a temperature in the range of 850 to 1050° C. in an atmosphere containing a gaseous hydrocarbon. At least two different gaseous hydrocarbons are used and/or the workpiece is alternatingly held in the atmosphere containing the gaseous hydrocarbon during a carburizing pulse and in an atmosphere free of hydrocarbon during a diffusion phase. Also described is a use of the method.

Abstract: In a method for carbonitriding at least one metal part, the metal part is heated in a heating phase to a treatment temperature, is nitrided in at least one nitriding phase using a nitrogen donor gas, and is carburized in at least one carburizing phase using a carbon donor gas. The first nitriding phase begins after the termination of the heating phase and before the beginning of the first carburizing phase.

Abstract: A method for carburizing workpieces made of steel, particularly workpieces having outer and inner surfaces, the workpiece being held at a temperature in the range of 850 to 1050° C. in an atmosphere containing a gaseous hydrocarbon. At least two different gaseous hydrocarbons are used and/or the workpiece is alternatingly held in the atmosphere containing the gaseous hydrocarbon during a carburizing pulse and in an atmosphere free of hydrocarbon during a diffusion phase. Also described is a use of the method.

Abstract: A method of austempering of steel parts is described. The steel parts are initially austenitized and subsequently quenched to a start temperature which is higher than the martensite start temperature. Then the steel parts are subjected to a first isothermal holding at the start temperature for a first time period. Subsequently the steel parts are held for a second isothermal time period at a finish temperature which is higher than the start temperature. The method described is particularly well suited for rapid austempering of steel parts, a pure bainitic structure being achievable, and the core hardness of the steel parts obtained being settable via the start temperature, the finish temperature, the duration of the first time period, and the duration of the second time period.