Nitriding

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.

Nitriding can be treated as a final operation in most situations. Post-nitriding polishing can be applied if a super-low surface roughness is required. Nitriding does not change part weight, but parts may grow a little—about 0.001-0.005 mm on a diameter of about 50 to 80 mm. Growth is predictable and repeatable.

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.

The vacuum purge capability of the ECM furnace ensures there can be no ammonia smell within your facility making this a clean, safe and ergonomic process as compared to the traditional atmosphere based nitriding process.

OUR NITRIDING FURNACES ADVANTAGES

• Excellent quality and repeatability of treatments
• Shortened cooling time
• Integration in a flexible line
• User friendly interface and process management

VESUVE NITRIDING FURNACE

The Vesuve furnace is designed to increase gaseous exchange in a tight heat-resistant steel muffle. For a full list of features, visit our subsidiary Serthel or contact us directly!

PROCESSES:

• Nitriding
• Nitrocarburizing
• Oxynitriding
• Post-oxidation
• Tempering

FLEX VACUUM FURNACE FOR NITRIDING

The modular and compact design of the Flex vacuum furnace meets the highest demands in terms of productivity and part quality. The Flex can receive oil quenching cells (hot or cold), simple gas or reversible dual stream (up to 20 bar) quenching and heating cells, their number depending on the required production capacity. Convective cells to high temperature tempering are also available. A light heat-insulating transfer machine ensures that loads can move from one cell to another.

Our patents avoid the use of vacuum tight doors between different heating cells. An optional version AMS 2750 E is available. This modularity guarantees the possibility to mix any type of treatment recipe with a continuous workflow.

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