Nitrogenation
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Nitriding of metals – surface saturation for greater durability
Nitriding is a thermo-chemical treatment process that involves saturating the surface layer of a metal with nitrogen. This produces a hard and abrasion-resistant coating, which significantly improves the service properties of the component.
What is nitriding?
In the nitriding process, the metal component is heated in a nitrogen-containing atmosphere (e.g. ammonia). Nitrogen atoms diffuse deep into the surface of the metal, forming intermetallic compounds that are characterised by exceptional hardness.
Advantages of nitriding:
- Increased hardness: The nitrided coating is significantly harder than the core of the component, improving wear and abrasion resistance.
- Improved corrosion resistance: Nitriding improves corrosion resistance, especially in acidic environments.
- Reduction in friction: A smooth and hard surface reduces friction, resulting in longer component life.
- No distortion: Compared to other heat treatment processes, nitriding causes little distortion of the component.
Types of nitriding:
- Gas nitriding: the most common method, involving heating the component in an atmosphere of ammonia.
- Plasma nitriding: Plasma is used to ionise the nitrogen gas, which speeds up the nitrogen diffusion process.
- Ion nitriding: A process carried out in a vacuum, using nitrogen ions.
Nitriding applications:
- Automotive: Nitriding is used to harden crankshafts, pinions, pistons and other highly stressed components.
- Mechanical industry: Nitriding increases the durability of cutting tools, moulds, dies and other machine components.
- Medical: Nitriding is used to treat surgical instruments and implants.
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Why choose nitriding?
Nitriding is a process that makes it possible to significantly improve the service properties of metal components. It can extend the life of tools and machines, reduce operating costs and improve occupational safety.
Want to learn more about the possibilities of nitriding? Contact us!
