Ion nitriding is a method with vast technological possibilities. Diffusion layers of desired structure can be obtained, i.e. the diffusion saturation process is controllable and can be optimized in accordance with the particular requirements to the layer qualities. By regulating the gaseous phase composition and the pulse glowing discharge parameters diffusion layer with monophase-γ'-zone (Fe4N), with monophase-ε-nitride zone (Fe2-3N) or nitrided layers without any nitride zone can be obtained. The achieved nitride zones are dense and solidly connected with the base metal.
Ion Nitriding has the following advantages compared with classical gas nitriding:
Cost effectiveness
-3 to 10 times reduced duration of treatment.
-50% - 100 % less energy consumption.
-50 to100 times less working gas consumption.
Distortion - less distortions because ion nitriding is performed at lower temperature and under a vacuum;
Higher surface, case and core hardness.
Excellent wear resistance - the ion nitriding process produces a compound zone which is dense, nonporous, very hard, not brittle, and has a low coefficient of friction.
Reproducible results and better control - the technological process of ion nitriding is fully automated and computer controlled. The heat for ion nitriding is generated on the surface of the details by ion bombardment of their surface and therefore the details are heated uniformly.
Surface finish
-due to minimum deformations no additional mechanical treatments are necessary.
-necessity of predepassivation of stainless steel is eliminated.
Masking - surfaces which require masking are easily masked with reusable mechanical masking devices - 100 % effective.
Excellent hygiene and working conditions - the process is not toxic and corresponds to all modern requirements of environmental control.
