Expanite technology treatment removes the oxide film covering stainless steels. This allows controlled incorporation of carbon and nitrogen atoms in the underlying metal. The hardened layer is characterized by an expansion of the material structure. The manufacturers call this zone expanded austenite, expanded martensite, or Expanite.
Test method
The ASTM G 65 Procedure is a standard test method for measuring abrasion using the dry sand/rubber wheel apparatus where weight loss is used as indicator for the wear resistance; the less the better. The results revealed that the 316L with SuperExpanite is more abrasion resistant than the untreated sample approximately reducing abrasive wear by more than 60%.
The manufacturers claim that with the Expanite process it is possible to increase the surface hardness of stainless steels by up to 10 times, while maintaining or even enhancing corrosion resistance. The method is also suitable for austenitic, ferritic, martensitic and duplex stainless steels. Parts can be treated with short lead times previously unseen within surface hardening of stainless steel.
Increase product value
Expanite could increase the value of products across many industries, from knives, valves, mixers, and grinders for the food industry, to pumps and extruder screws, or injection parts for the automotive sector, as well as screws, bolts, and washers. The treatment offers three different processes, optimized according to customers’ requirements in terms of abrasion, galling, corrosion and scratch resistance.
Founders
Expanite was founded in 2010 by three scientists from The Technical University of Denmark. Expanite is based in Hilleröd, Denmark, has a treatment facility located in Twinsburg, Ohio and the company recently opened a treatment center in Frickenhausen, Germany.
