Metal dusting is a phenomenon that typically results in premature failure of heat-resistant alloy components with accompanying high-repair costs and loss of production.

Metal dusting is a phenomenon that typically results in premature failure of components with accompanying high-repair costs and loss of production. It is not known why one shop will find it to be a serious problem and another, even within the same corporation and supposedly carburizing using the same atmosphere, regards it as just a minor aggravation. A lack of published industrial experiences recorded under well-defined conditions makes it somewhat difficult to come up with definitive design and/or materials solutions. However, the selection of component materials needs to be made with a balance between required performance and optimal resistance to metal dusting and cost in mind.