This is how “Wikipedia” describes Boronizing;  “Boriding, also called boronizing, is the process by which boron is added to a metal or alloy. It is a type of surface hardening. In this process boron atoms are diffused into the surface of a metal component. The resulting surface contains metal borides, such as iron borides, nickel borides, and cobalt borides. As pure materials, these borides have extremely high hardness and wear resistance. Their favorable properties are manifested even when they are a small fraction of the bulk solid.[1] Boronized metal parts are extremely wear-resistant and will often last two to five times longer than components treated with conventional heat treatments such as hardening, carburizing, nitriding, nitrocarburizing, or induction hardening. Most borided steel surfaces will have iron boride layer hardnesses of 1200–1600 HV. Nickel-based superalloys such as Inconel and Hastalloys will typically have nickel boride layer hardnesses of 1700–2300 HV.”

This service is provided by a few commercial heat treaters in North America, as a matter of fact “The Monty Heat Treat News” had a brief news item about this October 12th; “USA Heat Treater Lands Very Substantial “Boronzing” Order.

At least two commercial heat treaters offering this process have bought the boron powder required for this process from a distributor by the name of “Avion Manufacturing” of Cleveland, Ohio, USA. However, Avion was recently acquired “Avion Manufacturing Acquired” and we are being told that the company is no longer acting as a distributor for this product. 

The boron powder “Avion” was distributing came from a German firm by the name of “BorTec”  and we would assume they will either distribute this product directly or through another agent-we will keep you posted when more details are available. (often) and immersing it in a boron-rich medium. The resulting surface provides excellent protection against abrasion, erosion, and corrosion, extending the lifespan of components used in demanding applications like industrial valves, pumps, and tools. 

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