Precision parts processing Surface Hardening of Nitriding

Precision parts processing Surface Hardening of Nitriding

    Precision CNC machining parts Nitriding is somewhat similar to ordinary case hardening, but it uses a different material and treatment to create the hard surface constituents.

In this process the metal is heated to a temperature of around 950℉(510℃) and held there for a period of time in contact with ammonia gas. Nitrogen from the gas  is introduced into the steel, forming very  hard nitrides that are finely dispersed through the surface metal.

   Nitrogen has greater hardening ability with certain elements than with others, hence, special nitriding alloy steels have been developed.

  Precision CNC machining parts Aluminum in the range of 1% to 1.5% has proved to be especially suitable in steel, in that it combines with the gas to form a very stable and hard constituent. The temperature of heating ranges from 925℉ to 1,050℉(495℃~565℃).

   Liquid nitriding utilizes molten cyanide salts  and, as in gas nitriding, the temperature is held below the transformation range. Liquid nitriding adds more nitrogen and less carbon than either cyaniding or carburizing in cyanide baths.

Case thickness of 0.001 to 0.012in.(0.03~0.30mm) is obtained, whereas for gas nitriding the case may be  as thick as 0.025 in.(0.64mm). In general the uses of the two-nitriding processes are similar.

   Nitriding develops extreme hardness in the surface of steel. This hardness ranges from 900 to 1,100 Brinell, which is considerably higher than that obtained by ordinary case hardening.

Nitriding steels, by virtue of their alloying content, are stronger than ordinary steels and respond readily to heat treatment. It is  recommended that these steels be machined and heat-treated before nitriding, because there is no scale or further work necessary after this process.

 Precision CNC machining parts Fortunately, the interior structure and properties are not affected appreciably by the nitriding treatment and, because no quenching is necessary, there is little tendency to  warp, develop cracks, or change condition in any way. The surface effectively resists corrosive action of water, saltwater spray, alkalies, crude oil, and natural gas.