Plasma Nitriding

Product Description

Plasma nitriding is defined as a lownitriding potential type process leading to the formation of thin compound layers in steels

Plasma Ion Nitrding is timely best technology for Low Alloys like EN19 EN 24 Steel


Plasma Nitriding Engineering Considerations

The plasma nitriding process produces a hard outer skin on the material being nitrided The hardness achieved on the surface decreases with depth until the core hardness is reached The graph shows the expected hardness for the various alloys at different case depths The slope is more gradual for low alloy steels and very sharp for highly alloyed steels The nitride forming elements in the steels composition are the primary factors controlling the hardness and the case depth The low alloy steel will provide a deeper case depth but a lower overall hardness

The micrograph  shows a 400 series stainless steel alloy that has been plasma nitrided The high alloy content of the stainless steel creates a high surface hardness and a sharp transition zone between the nitrided surface and the core material A low alloy steel such as 4140 would have a lower overall surface hardness and a gradual transition zone between the nitrided layer and the core material however the overall penetration of the nitride layer would be deeper This is particularly useful when the product is subjected to impact or severe loading

The microstructure shows a 400 series stainless steel alloy that has been nitrided to improve its wear and fatigue properties

ADVANTAGES  DISADVANTAGES OF NITRIDING
ADVANTAGES    

        Negligible Distortion  Low temperature treatment 350 C to 550 C
        High surface hardness  All Nitrides has high hardness
        High wear resistance  coupled with antigalling properties
        Improved Fatigue resistance
        Better Creep resistance  can withstand up to 500 C
        Enhanced corrosion resistance

DISADVANTAGES

        Very long duration ie 24 to 60 Hrs  1 day to 5 days
        Formation of brittle white layer
        Limited Control on repeatable results

Plasma Nitriding shortens the process  6 to 18 Hrs avoiding the brittle white layer formation and enhances all the properties of Nitriding with Repeatable and accurate results
Abrasion Resistance
Wear of moving parts in greatly reduced surface lubricity in enhanced Optical services life for steel groups which fit your process can be achieved Avoids production downtimes
Improve Fatigue Strength
Studies have shown fatigue strength is improved without distortion as compared to other surface treating methods due to increased compressive stresses at the surface fatigue strength is improved 40100 depending upon material and parts design Usually no post heat treat machining is required
Precise and Versatile
Aerospace Companies work in an unforgiving environment  Lack of precise treatment could lead to disaster Todays Aerospace contractors are relying more and more Plasma Ion Nitriding for satisfactory performance of their vehicles
Non  Polluting and Cost Effective

On top of the above added advantages no  toxic salts Ammonia or other toxic gases are used in this process It requires less energy and utility cost

Ion Plasma Nitriding Pros

     Mechanical masking sometimes reusable can be used to prevent nitriding of specific areas of the product

    Great process for alloy steels and stainless steels that require surface activation to allow for nitriding

    Ion bombardment helps sputter clean the surface

    Gases used for processing are safe and environmentally friendly

    Can be used for powder metals and titanium 

Ion Plasma Nitriding Cons

    Limited on compound zone thickness maximum due to the nature of the process

    Relatively less superior temperature control as compared to gas  this can lead to variance in case depth  hardness  dimensional stability

    Increases surface roughness