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Ferritic Nitrocarburizing (FNC)

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ECM Flex Vacuum Furnace

Nitrocarburizing (FNC) using a Flex vacuum furnace system not only improves surface hardness qualities, but significantly reduces cycle time, optimizes energy consumption, and improves productivity. In comparison to a standard nitriding process, FNC in a vacuum furnace also takes much less time to achieve case depth requirements - mainly in part due to the addition of carbon to achieve faster diffusion.

Ferritic Nitro-Carburizing (FNC) is a thermochemical surface hardening process using diffusion of both nitrogen and carbon into the heat-treated part. This treatment is mainly used to improve wear and fatigue resistance along with enhancing resistance to corrosion. Low-alloy steel parts are most suitable for this process.

FNC in an ECM vacuum furnace for harder, corrosion resistant low carbon/alloy steel parts processed at lower temperatures & used in high-wear applications, such as:

  • AUTOMOTIVE: shafts, piston rods, gears, hydraulic piston rods, spindles, cams, couples
  • FIREARMS: barrels, slides, ammunition
  • TOOLING: dies, races, bearings, drill bits
  • HEAVY EQUIPMENT (Agricultural/Mining/Construction): shafts, seals, drills, pins, bearings, rollers, axles, gears

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Diffusion layer between 0.1 and 0.15mm
Surface hardness higher than 800Hv (1050Hv measured)

• Reliable, consistent retort temperature does not cool during process operation

• Separate heating & cooling chambers to expedite throughput

• Improved mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and fatigue strength

• Increased efficient process repeatability & uniform production flow

• Positive workload movements via lift-and-carry (never push/pull)

• Full workload transport to/from the Flex is available

• Eco-friendly electric heating

• Thermal afterburning after vacuum pump - encapsulated/one TNV per line

Condition Flex Vacuum Furnace Standard System
Heating Time (to 580°C) 45 min. 90 min.
Energy - Load 45 kWh 45 kWh
Energy - Muffle 60 kWh (only for the first heat up) 60 kWh
Process Time 120 min. Same
Cool Down Energy - Muffle 0 kWh (no cooling of the muffle) 40 kWh
Cool Down Energy - Load 10 kWh and 14 Nm3 N2 100 kWh
Cooling Down Time 5-15 min in hidden time 3 hrs.
Opening/New Load 5-15 min in hidden time Same


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