Plasma Ion Nitriding

PLASMA ION NITRIDING
Nitriding is a surface-hardening heat treatment that introduces Nitrogen into the surface of steel at
a temperature range (500-550 ºC), while it is in the Ferrite condition. Thus, nitriding is similar to
carburizing in that surface composition composition is altered, but different in that Nitrogen is
added into Ferrite instead of Austenite. Because nitriding does not involve heating in the
austenitic phase field and a subsequent quence to form martensite, nitriding can be accomplished
with a minimum of distortion and with excellent dimensional control.
Principal reasons for nitriding are:-
1) To obtain High Surface Hardness

2) To increase wear resistance
3) To improve fatigue life
4) To improve corrosion resistance (except for Stainless Steels)
5) To obtain a surface that is resistant to the softening effect of heat at temperatures up to
the Nitriding temperature.
Nitridable Steels :-
The following steels can be nitrided for specific applications:
1. Aluminum-containing low-alloy steels

2. Medium-carbon, chromium-containing low-alloy steels of the 4100, 4300, 5100, 6100,
8600, 8700 and 9800 series
3. Hot-work die steels containing 5% chromium such as HI1, HI2, and HI3
4. Low-carbon, chromium-containing low-alloy steels of the 3300, 8600, and 9300 series
5. Air-hardening tool steels such as A-2, A-6, D-2, D-3 and S-7
6. High-speed tool steels such as M-2 and M-4
7. Nitronic stainless steels such as 30, 40, 50, and 60
8. Ferritic and martensitic stainless steels of the 400 and 500 series
9. Austenitic stainless steels of the 200 and 300 series
10. Precipitation-hardening stainless steels such as 13-8 PH, 15-5 PH, 17-4 PH, 17-7 PH, A-
286, AM350 and AM355.
Plasma Ion Nitriding:-
Plasma Ion nitriding is an extension of conventional nitriding processes using plasma-discharge

physics. In vacuum, high-voltage electrical energy is used to form a plasma, through which
nitrogen ions are accelerated to impinge on the work piece. This ion bombardment heats the work
piece, cleans the surface, and provides active nitrogen.
Metallurgically versatile, the process provides excellent dimensional control and retention of
surface finish. Ion nitriding can be conducted at temperatures lower than those conventionally
employed. Control of white-layer composition and thickness enhances fatigue properties. The
span of ion-nitriding applications includes conventional ammonia- gas nitriding, short-cycle
nitriding in salt bath or gas, and the nitriding of stainless steels.
Comparison of Ion Nitriding and Ammonia-Gas Nitriding
Ammonia-gas nitriding produces a compound zone that is a mixture of both epsilon and gamma-
prime structures. High internal stresses result from differences in volume growth associated with
the formation of each phase. The interfaces between the two crystal structures are weak. Thicker
compound zones, formed by ammonia-gas nitriding, limit accommodation of the internal stresses
resulting from the mixed structure.
Under cyclic loading, cracks in the compound zone can serve as initiation points for the
propagation of fatigue cracks. The single-phase gamma-prime compound zone, which is thin and
more ductile, exhibits superior fatigue properties. Reducing the thickness of the ion-nitrided
compound zone further improves fatigue performance. Maximization occurs at the limiting
condition, where compound zone depth equals zero.
Case Hardness.
The bulk of the thickness of the nitride case is the diffusion zone where fine iron/alloy nitride
precipitates impart increased hardness and strength. Compressive stresses are also developed,
as in other nitriding processes. Hardness profiles resulting from ion nitriding are similar to
ammonia-gas nitriding but near-surface hardness may be greater with ion nitriding, a result of
lower processing temperature.
Advantages of Plasma Ion Nitriding.
Ion nitriding achieves repetitive metallurgical results and complete control of the nitrided layers.
This control results in superior fatigue performance, wear resistance, and hard layer ductility.
Moreover, the process ensures high dimensional stability, eliminates secondary operations, offers
low operating-temperature capability and produces parts that retain surface finish.
Among operating benefits are:
Total absence of pollution

Efficient use of gas and electrical energy
Total process automation
Selective nitriding by simple masking techniques
Process span that encompasses all sub-critical nitriding
Reduced nitriding time

Plasma Ion Nitriding

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PLASMA ION NITRIDING

Principal reasons for nitriding are:-

1) To obtain High Surface Hardness

The following steels can be nitrided for specific applications:

1. Aluminum-containing low-alloy steels

Plasma Ion Nitriding:-

Plasma Ion nitriding is an extension of conventional nitriding processes using plasma-discharge

Advantages of Plasma Ion Nitriding.

Among operating benefits are:

Total absence of pollution

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