AbstractThis paper describes the current status of the new technology of plasma carburizing, which has recently moved out of the development laboratory into industry. A description of the equipment is followed by a section on the kinetics and mechanism of this ion assisted surface treatment process. Emphasis is placed on the capability for rapid carburizing and then on the following processing benefits: better quality, excellent process control, good consistency, reduced distortion, good carburizing within holes, and excellent cleanliness of the treated parts. Practical aspects of masking and fixturing precede a section on industrial applications. It is concluded that plasma carburizing offers a superior alternative to other methods of carburizing when process control and quality of the end product are of paramount importance.