A hybrid method of surface hardening metallic components using a combination of chemical modification achieved through additive manufacturing and/or diffusion-based processing with transformation-based processing using a high energy density heat source. The hybrid process results in increased surface hardness and/or increased average case hardness and/or increased case depth compared to either treatment individually.

Artificial lift pump components such as couplings are disclosed, all having a body formed from a selected material, the body having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, a first surface treatment introducing carbon, nitrogen, boron into the material to form a first and hard layer, and a second layer defined as an deposited coating to the first layer that is also made of a carbon, nitrogen, or boron and is further characterized as being ceramic like (hard) and having a low-friction.

Disclosed are new boronizing compositions consisting of boron fluoride and boron oxide, borax, or an iron boride. The compositions reduce the heating temperature and time. Further disclosed are methods of boronizing a metal substrate including these compositions, or any combination thereof.

Disclosed are new boronizing compositions consisting of boron fluoride and boron oxide, borax, or an iron boride. The compositions reduce the heating temperature and time. Further disclosed are methods of boronizing a metal substrate including these compositions, or any combination thereof.

A powder boronizing composition comprising: a. 0.5 to 4.5 wt % of a boron source selected from B.sub.4C, amorphous boron, calcium hexaboride, borax or mixtures thereof; b. 45.5 to 88.5 wt % of a diluent selected from SiC, alumina or mixtures thereof; c. 1.0 to 20.0 wt % of an activator selected from KBF.sub.4, ammonia chloride, cryolite or mixtures thereof; and d. 10.0 to 30.0 wt % of a sintering reduction agent selected from carbon black, graphite or mixtures thereof.

A powder boronizing composition comprising: a. 0.5 to 4.5 wt % of a boron source selected from B.sub.4C, amorphous boron, calcium hexaboride, borax or mixtures thereof; b. 45.5 to 88.5 wt % of a diluent selected from SiC, alumina or mixtures thereof; c. 1.0 to 20.0 wt % of an activator selected from KBF.sub.4, ammonia chloride, cryolite or mixtures thereof; and d. 10.0 to 30.0 wt % of a sintering reduction agent selected from carbon black, graphite or mixtures thereof.

The disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a cutting blade for an agricultural implement. The method includes forming the cutting blade to define a final shape having an exterior surface. The cutting blade is treated with a surface diffusion hardening process to form a surface hardened layer disposed over a core layer. The surface hardened layer is very thin, approximately 0.1 mm, and exhibits an apparent hardness equal to or greater than 1000 HV. After the surface diffusion hardening process, the cutting blade is treated with a through hardening process, such that the core layer exhibits a Rockwell Hardness C Scale value between the range of thirty five (35) and fifty five (55).

The disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a cutting blade for an agricultural implement. The method includes forming the cutting blade to define a final shape having an exterior surface. The cutting blade is treated with a surface diffusion hardening process to form a surface hardened layer disposed over a core layer. The surface hardened layer is very thin, approximately 0.1 mm, and exhibits an apparent hardness equal to or greater than 1000 HV. After the surface diffusion hardening process, the cutting blade is treated with a through hardening process, such that the core layer exhibits a Rockwell Hardness C Scale value between the range of thirty five (35) and fifty five (55).

Artificial lift pump components such as couplings are disclosed, all having a body formed from a selected material, the body having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, a first surface treatment introducing carbon, nitrogen, boron into the material to form a first and hard layer, and a second layer defined as an deposited coating to the first layer that is also made of a carbon, nitrogen, or boron and is further characterized as being ceramic like (hard) and having a low-friction.

The disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a cutting blade for an agricultural implement. The method includes forming the cutting blade to define a final shape having an exterior surface. The cutting blade is treated with a surface diffusion hardening process to form a surface hardened layer disposed over a core layer. The surface hardened layer is very thin, approximately 0.1 mm, and exhibits an apparent hardness equal to or greater than 1000 HV. After the surface diffusion hardening process, the cutting blade is treated with a through hardening process, such that the core layer exhibits a Rockwell Hardness C Scale value between the range of thirty five (35) and fifty five (55).