Modern Surface TreatmentsPlasma (ion) Nitriding
As an alternative to gas nitriding, nitriding plasma (ion) nitriding process has been developed to overcome the shortcomings of the earlier traditional uncontrolled gas nitriding processes and to offer certain operational advantages that gas nitriding does not have. Plasma is essentially a gas nitriding treatment in which the method of delivering nitrogen atoms to the surface of nitrided components is quite different from the standard gas nitriding processes. It occurs at a very low pressure and under high voltage. From the metallurgical, tribological and mechanical properties standpoint the properties of nitrided case obtained with Nitreg® and well controlled plasma technology are comparable. Plasma offers certain distinct advantages such as:- The ease of masking the component surface where nitriding is to be avoided
- Ability to nitride low density powder metallurgy parts
Modern Surface TreatmentsCarbonitriding
It is a thermal process of simultaneously diffusing both carbon and nitrogen into ferrous alloys under partial pressure. This leads to an extremely hard and wear resistant surface. Vacuum carbonitriding is a significant improvement over conventional gas carbonitriding. The process contains all of the inherent benefits of vacuum carburizing, but also has the additional benefit of precise computer control of surface ammonia content. Furthermore, this process does not require any additional refractory burnouts so not only is the end product of higher quality, but it is often less expensive than with competing conventional gas processes.Not sure which process or service is right for you? Contact our global team of heat treat experts and let them guide you or fill out the contact form to put you in touch with one of our experts!
Modern Surface TreatmentsLow Pressure Carburizing
Low-pressure vacuum carburizing is a state-of-the-art thermal process where carburizing is effected under very low pressures (7-13 mbar). Parts are first heated in vacuum to above the transformation temperature of the alloy and then exposed to carbon-carrying gas, or gas mixtures, under partial pressure. Nitrex has developed a revolutionary process called “Pulse-Pressure”, a method quickly becoming the industry standard. Relative to conventional carburizing, the main advantages of the method are:- Shorter cycle time with tight process control
- Repeatable results to within ±0.001″ (±25µm)
- Uniform homogeneity of carburizing case depths
- Significantly reduced size changes and distortion
- Improved fatigue strength
- Better control of the surface layer chemistry
- Eliminates intergranular oxidation
- Environmentally friendly process