carburize

American  

[kahr-buh-rahyz, -byuh-] / ˈkɑr bəˌraɪz, -byə- /

especially British, carburise

verb (used with object)

carburized, carburizing

1. to cause to unite with carbon.

2. to carburet.

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carburize British  

/ ˈkɑːbjʊˌraɪz, -bə- /

verb

1. another word for carbonize carbonize

2. (tr) to increase the carbon content of (the surface of a low-carbon steel) so that the surface can be hardened by heat treatment

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Other Word Forms

• carburization noun
• carburizer noun

Etymology

Origin of carburize

First recorded in 1880–90; carbur(et) + -ize

Example Sentences

Under primitive methods of making wrought-iron it is quite possible to carburize the iron sufficiently to make steel direct from ore.

From Project Gutenberg

The hardness of the fleam metal indicated that it was carburized sufficiently to be made of steel.

From Project Gutenberg

The hard surface or "case" varies in thickness according to the size of the piece, the materials used and the length of time which the piece remains at the carburizing temperature.

From Project Gutenberg

In some cases of cyanide carburizing, the piece is heated in cyanide to the desired temperature and then quenched.

From Project Gutenberg

Under such conditions, carbon is absorbed by the steel surfaces, and a carburized case is produced capable of responding to ordinary hardening and tempering operations, the core meanwhile retaining its original softness and toughness.

From Project Gutenberg