Nitriding : What Is Nitriding???

Nitriding is a thermochemical treatment that diffuses nitrogen into the surface of metals. It is used on ferrous, titanium, aluminum, and molybdenum alloys, but most commonly on low-carbon, low-alloy steels. It improves surface properties of metal components and tools such as abrasion and corrosion resistance, and increases the fatigue strength.

Typically carried out at 450 to 520°C, nitriding is generally considered a lengthy process (depending on the case depth requirements) which can take from 4 to 60 hours or more. The number of parts (mass of the load) may affect how long it takes the furnace to get up to the required temperature but does not affect nitriding soak time. This treatment is below the tempering or stress-relieving temperatures of steel, which are over 600°C. Therefore, the process causes little or no distortion.

The ECM vacuum purged gas nitriding process increases the surface hardness as well as abrasion and wear resistance. It also improves bending and/or contact fatigue properties. Rolling contact fatigue time-to-failure can be increased by several orders of magnitude depending on material. Nitriding can also decrease a part’s coefficient of friction. In addition, the process forms a thin, corrosion-resistant layer of iron oxide/magnetite, which significantly increases corrosion resistance. Bending, torsional and rolling contact fatigue resistance are also increased. Many of the part surface improvements are results of increased compressive stresses.