In high-temperature manufacturing, nothing impacts product integrity more than the way metal behaves inside the furnace. At Advanced Technical Products, we work closely with heat treaters, forgers, and metal processors who face a common challenge: preventing oxidation and decarburization during production. These surface and structural defects can quietly undermine even the strongest alloys, increasing scrap rates, reducing strength, and driving up machining and rework costs.

Oxidation is often the first issue manufacturers encounter. When steel or other metals are exposed to oxygen at elevated temperatures, scale forms on the surface. This scale not only weakens the metal but also creates dimensional changes that require secondary machining or grinding. Over time, oxidation drives up processing costs and reduces throughput.

Decarburization presents an even more serious threat to performance. Carbon is essential for achieving the hardness and strength that many components require. When carbon migrates out of the surface during heat treating, the metal becomes softer and less wear resistant. This can compromise the structural integrity of critical components, especially those used in aerospace, automotive, and heavy industrial applications.

These issues are preventable when the correct protective solutions are used. Our High-Temperature Coatings are designed specifically to shield metals from oxygen and carbon loss during processing. By forming a protective barrier at high heat, these coatings help maintain carbon content, reduce or eliminate scale formation, and deliver a cleaner, more stable surface finish.

The impact is significant. Manufacturers who adopt protective coatings experience fewer defects, shorter machining cycles, and more predictable processing outcomes. Tools and equipment last longer because they are not exposed to excess scale or debris, and finished parts retain the mechanical properties needed for demanding applications.Controlling oxidation and decarburization is not just a technical concern. It is a high-value strategy that improves product quality, protects performance, and reduces total cost of production. At ATP, we help our customers achieve stronger, more consistent results with coatings engineered for the extreme conditions of modern heat-treating environments.