Ion nitriding

gasautomotiveIATF 16949

Nitriding is a thermochemical surface process used to improve the surface properties of metal materials. It is a process of diffusing nitrogen on the surface of the material, resulting in increased hardness and wear resistance. Nitriding is carried out in a controlled environment with nitriding salts or nitrogen, which allows the characteristics of the surface layer to be modified without significantly affecting the properties of the core of the material. TTT Group offers three types of nitriding: TENIFER® salt nitriding, NITREG® gas nitriding and active-screen ion nitriding. These options allow the process to be adapted to the specific needs of each application. Processes Details The nitriding process is performed at relatively low temperatures, usually between 500°C and 600°C, submerging the part in salts or an ammonia medium which, when decomposing, releases elemental nitrogen capable of reacting with the metal of the part. This reaction allows the diffusion of nitrogen on the surface of the material, forming the nitride layer. It is common for a wide variety of parts that undergo nitriding to also undergo pre-treatment of vacuum quenching and tempering to optimize their mechanical properties and ensure optimal results during the nitriding process. Parts and Components The main parts treated are gears, shafts, bearings, moulds, dies and cutting tools in various sectors such as automotive (cranks, gears, transmission parts), aeronautics (gears, shafts), energy (axles, turbine gears), and hydraulic (cylinders, pistons).