Mark your calendars for Aluexpo Türkiye, where Marcin Stoklosa from Nitrex and our Turkish representative, Utku Inan of BDI Metal, will present cutting-edge heat treatment solutions for the aluminum industry. Join us at stand 3F104 from October 12-14.

Elevating Die Performance: The Power of Vacuum Heat Treatment & Nitriding

Ever wondered why the combination of vacuum heat treatment and nitriding is so effective for aluminum extrusion dies? This dynamic duo collaborates to enhance the properties and performance of these dies. Typically, the extrusion dies undergo vacuum heat treatment first, followed by the nitriding process.

Laying the Foundation for Excellence: Vacuum Treatment

There are several benefits to vacuum heat treatment of tool steel:

• No Oxidation: The vacuum environment eliminates the formation of oxide layers, resulting in cleaner and more uniform heat treatment.
• Improved Mechanical Properties: Vacuum hardening followed by double or triple tempering enhances the mechanical properties of extrusion dies, including hardness, wear resistance, and overall strength. These improvements enhance die durability and longevity, leading to extended service life and reduced maintenance downtime.

Extruding Excellence: Nitriding

During nitriding, dies are exposed to an atmosphere rich in nascent nitrogen, which facilitates surface diffusion and yields the following benefits:

• Increased Hardness: Nitriding significantly increases the surface hardness of aluminum extrusion dies, enabling them to endure wear, even amid the extreme pressures and temperatures inherent in the extrusion process.
• Enhanced Wear Resistance: Nitrided dies exhibit superior wear resistance compared to their untreated counterparts. This proves pivotal during extrusion, where the repeated motion of the molten aluminum billet through the die prompts wear due to friction and heat. Nitriding creates a tough surface layer that counters wear, effectively extending the die’s operational life.
• Reduced Friction: Nitrided surfaces boast a low coefficient of friction, reducing resistance encountered by the extruded aluminum material as it passes through the die. This minimized friction translates to smoother extrusion operations and less stress on the dies.

Together: Combine & Conquer

By combining vacuum heat treatment and nitriding, die suppliers and extruders unlock a synergistic effect that optimizes both the surface and bulk properties of extrusion dies. This synergy results in cost-effective dies boasting superior wear resistance, hardness, strength, and overall longevity.

Step into a world where excellence is the standard—see you at Aluexpo!