Ferritic Nitrocarburizing (FNC)
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
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 |