Nitriding is typically carried out at 450 to 520°C and nitrocarburizing at 540 to 580°C. Two processes have here procedurally established themselves, namely gas nitriding and plasma nitriding. The assumption would be that only DA gas and ammonia were used as supply gases. The gas nitriding temperature is 520°C, lower than the 550°C to 570°C temperature required for the liquid nitriding process. To control the gases introduced to the furnace, today’s automated controls use feedback from the atmosphere being measured. The Nitriding process is an established and successful means of generating a hard case on a component. Typical gas nitriding depths are.010”-.020”. For gas nitriding, the process variables are time, temperature, and atmosphere. Very precise temperature control – this leads to consistent and predictable case depth / hardness / dimensional stability; Full coverage of nitriding - even inside holes and bores; Great for large quantities of small parts (batch style product) Great for alloy steels and low carbon steels; Gas Nitriding Cons The process of case hardening via gas nitriding is performed by heating previously hardened parts in a controlled atmosphere to a temperature below the previous tempering temperature. It cannot be over emphasized, how important the … For gas nitriding, the process variables are time, temperature, and atmosphere. Gas Nitriding Pros. Generally, parts are heat treated to the required mechanical properties, then … Two-stage nitriding processes are used to create proper surface and case conditions. There are two general types of nitriding processes: 1. 2). The measurement of hydrogen in the exhaust provides enough data to calculate DA or KN. Heat treatment of aluminum, quenching Part III, Get to know IHEA’s new member: DELTA H TECHNOLOGIES, AMS2750 pyrometry revisions tweak a crucial process, Low pressure carburization modeling with carbide formation and dissociation, The cutting edge of thermal processing in a forge environment, Increased Productivity Combining C/C Fixturing and LPC, Performance and Properties of a new Alternative Gear Steel. Nitriding and Metallurgical Behavior. Gas Nitriding: the part is heated in dry ammonia gas (NH3) at temperatures up to 530°C. High Temperature Gas Nitriding of stainless steels is a unique case hardening process for cavitation, wear, and pitting resistance. The compound layer on the surface of the parts is responsible for the major benefit of high resistance to wear, scuffing, galling and seizure. The nitriding temperature for all steels is between 923 and 1050°F (495 and 565°C). Referring back to Fig 1, we will deal with the problems usually associated with process problems. The temperature is held for a length of time proportionate to the case depth requirement. The Gas Nitriding Process. In the process of gas nitriding, nitrogen is introduced into the surface of a solid ferrous alloy by maintaining the metal at a suitable temperature while in contact with a nitrogenous gas, usually ammonia. The NV process allows the combination of temperature, time and gas composition to be freely controlled.-The lower the nitriding temperature, the smaller the strain and the smoother the surface.-Possible to set a wide range of nitriding temperatures from 400 to 600 degrees C. the first stage) and a reduced nitrogen atmosphere to allow for diffusion of the nitrogen into the steel (a.k.a. For the process chemically active, hence atomic, nitrogen is needed. The temperature used is typical of all nitrocarburizing processes: 550 to 570 °C. Processing temperature for nitriding will most often be between 975°F and 1050°F (524°C and 566°C), but it can be as low as 650°F (343°C) for certain applications. Dimensional distortion is minimal in the process and there is a predictable dimensional growth due to the diffused layer. In order to meet specifications for nitriding, a common control variable used to measure the amount of nitriding is KN (nitriding potential). There are different methods of nitriding, including gas nitriding, plasma/ion nitriding, and salt-bath nitriding. Gas Nitriding. Principal reasons for nitriding are: This can be accomplished due to the fact that the part’s dimensional integrity remains uncompromised from distortion through lower processing temperatures and lack of a quench. In salt bath nitriding the nitrogen donating medium is a nitrogen-containing salt such as cyanide salt. Too much ammonia could lead to a significant compound layer, nitride networking, and a brittle surface. The furnace atmosphere will be continuously replenished with an atmosphere that provides a potential of nitrogen to diffuse into the steel and form nitrides. The parts will be exposed to a non-oxygen-bearing, nitrogen-rich atmosphere typically produced by a mixture of nitrogen, ammonia, and dissociated ammonia. Nitriding is a case-hardening process of enriching the solid steel surface with nitrogen at a low temperature, normally in the range of 500-575°C (i.e., below A 1), when the steel is ferritic. Our residual 60-percent would be represented by ammonia. is vice president of business development for Super Systems Inc., where he oversees marketing and growth in multiple business channels and helps develop product innovation strategies in conjunction with customer feedback. The layer usually consists of two zones – the compound layer (white layer) which can be a cubic or hexagonal nitride and the diffusion layer below with dissolved nitrogen and hard nitride precipitations. A low temperature application is nitriding of spring steels to prolong the fatigue life of springs for automotive use. Gas Nitriding requires precise control of the treatment process. ZeroFlow® – gas nitriding process Modern, energy-saving and ecological gas nitriding process used in HRN/VRN type furnaces. By understanding the amount of ammonia dissociated in the exhaust gas, the nitrogen activity on the surface can be deduced. Typical applications include gears, crankshafts, camshafts, cam followers, valve parts, springs, extrusion screws, die-cast tooling, forging dies, aluminium-extrusion dies, injectors and plastic-moulds. Although the white layer can be machined off, the typical goal would be to reduce or even eliminate the post-nitride machining. By controlling and adjusting the process atmosphere, the constitution of the layer can be influenced from thin compound layers for fatigue strength improvement to thick nitrogen and carbon rich compound layers in case of gaseous nitrocarburising and post oxidation if good wear and corrosion resistance is desired. The original Gas Nitride treatment is a “low temperature” furnace treatment with an atmosphere of Ammonia. For example, if we measure 30-percent hydrogen in the exhausted atmosphere, that would leave us with 10-percent nitrogen, meaning that 40-percent of the atmosphere is dissociated ammonia. Process Selection and Quality Control. The process temperature range is 500˚C – 530˚C (930˚F – 975˚F). Gas nitriding develops a very hard case in a component at relatively low temperature, without the need for quenching. The formation of nitrides The layer usually consists of two zones – the compound layer (white layer) which can be a cubic or hexagonal nitride and the diffusion layer below with dissolved nitrogen and hard nitride precipitations. Principal reasons for nitriding are: This method is most commonly used with controlling the white layer thickness. The higher the amount of ammonia is present, the lower the amount of dissociation (DA), and the greater the activity of nitrogen on the surface. Favoured for components that are subjected to heavy loading, nitriding imparts a high surface hardness which promotes high resistance to wear, scuffing, galling and seizure. This article focuses on gas nitriding. The process is also applicable to tool steels such as hot-work, cold-work and mould steels. Nitriding is a surface hardening treatment, where nitrogen is added to the surface of steel parts either using a gaseous process where dissociated ammonia as the source or an ion or plasma process where nitrogen ions diffuse into the surface of components. Similar to a carburizing boost and diffuse method, two-stage nitriding utilizes a nitrogen-rich atmosphere for the buildup of nitrogen concentration in the steel (a.k.a. Through the addition of carbon, the normal treatment times are shortened in relation to the pure nitriding process. For gas nitriding, process variables used in this thermochemical treatment are represented by nitrogen, dissociated ammonia (bottled or from a dissociated ammonia generator), and ammonia. When ammonia breaks down to one-part nitrogen and three-parts hydrogen, the hydrogen can be measured to determine the percentage of uncracked ammonia in the atmosphere. These process parameters for gas nitriding include (i) furnace temperature, (ii) process control, (iii) time, (iv) gas flow, (v) gas activity control, and (vi) process chamber maintenance etc. For optimum results, the material should be in a hardened and tempered condition prior to gas nitriding. © 2018 Media Solutions inc. All rights reserved. KN is a derived measurement of an atmosphere’s potential to allow for the diffusion of nitrogen into a material — specifically, iron, in this case. Nitriding is carried out at temperatures below the transformation temperature of alloy steels, so that with proper manufacturing techniques, there is little or no distortion as a result of the process. The upper temperature was significantly lower than the temperatures employed by Machlet, which ranged from 480 to 980 °C (900 to 1800 °F). To investigate the time effect on the nitriding process, the kinetics during the gas nitriding process should be investigated. Enhanced Properties of 17-7 PH Stainless Steel, Recent progress in three areas of induction-heating technology. The diffusion layer contributes improved fatigue strength and works as a support for the hard compound layer. It is important to note that, unlike in carburizing, the gases used in gas nitriding are extremely pure, and accordingly the calculations used in nitriding process control are stable, and reproducible. The nitride hardening process integrates into the bulk material, allowing the … Gas nitriding is a thermo-chemical process of steel surface hardening. KN is mathematically defined in Equation 1: Many specifications require tight tolerances on the amount of white layer on the surface, which requires a control system to monitor the furnace atmosphere and control the potential of nitrogen that is available to react at the surface of the part. Other special nitriding processes are also used for certain types of stainless steels involving the decomposition of nitrogen gas at high temperatures, but these will not be the focus of this discussion. The original Gas Nitride process is a “low temperature” furnace treatment with an atmosphere of Ammonia. In general, all ferrous materials can be gas nitrided up to 5% chromium. This article was co-authored by Matt Specter, also with Super Systems. The white layer, also known as the compound layer, is a hard, brittle layer that is formed during nitriding but can be reduced or virtually removed through process control. The process temperature for Gas Nitriding is below the transformation temperature of the material. Although beneficial for some applications, the white layer may not be desired in the process based on manufacturing steps and performance requirements for the finished goods. UltraGlow® Gas Nitriding is a case-hardening process whereby nitrogen is diffused into the surface of a solid ferrous alloy by holding the metal at a suitable temperature in contact with a nitrogenous gas, usually ammonia. If the process gas decomposition is not monitored, there is a serious risk of nitride networks forming. A normal nitriding depth goes from 0,01 mm up to 0,7mm for which the nitriding time can be up to 100 hours, and can rise the hardness of the steel up to 1200 HV . By adding carbon to the workpiece surface, the process of nitrocarburizing is performed. Nitriding is a popular case hardening technique renowned for the qualities it delivers at relatively low process temperatures. The compound layer on the surface … If the residual ammonia is available, the percentage of dissociated ammonia (% DA) can be determined and then analyzed to adjust the flow rates of the process gas. The success of a nitriding process depends on the ability to meet metallurgical requirements involving microstructures, surface hardness, case hardness, and, in some cases, the part’s appearance. Besides temperature and nitriding potential, time is another important process control parameter. The wide range of possible temperatures and case depths, which allow adjustment of different properties of the treated parts, give gas nitriding a broad field of applications. Salt bath nitriding —also known as ferritic nitrocarburizing (FNC)— is one of the most popular ways to achieve these results, but it isn’t the only way. Slow process taking up to 80 hours, which is more suited to low volumes. Processing temperature for nitriding will most often be between 975°F and 1050°F (524°C and 566°C), but it can be as low as 650°F (343°C) for certain applications. If the atmosphere is using N2 for blending, the volume of gas flowing into the retort of the furnace will be used in our calculation. The greater the flow of ammonia, the greater the amount of ammonia measured in the exhaust and the more ammonia to which the parts are exposed. Gas Nitriding is a low temperature case hardening process that is ideal for producing hardened surfaces on pre-heat treated alloy steels such as 4140 and 4340, pre-heat treated tool steels such as H13, and specialty grades such as Nitralloy 135M. For higher contents of alloying elements and for gas nitriding of stainless steel, plasma nitriding might be considered. Gas nitriding is a low temperature (typically 520°C/970°F), low distortion “thermochemical” heat treatment process carried out to enhance the surface properties of finished or near finished ferrous components. For alloy steels containing strong nitride-forming elements. There is a layer of nitrides formed on the surface. The atmosphere can be controlled to eliminate the white layer or at least reduce it to less than 0.007 mm (0.0003″) for minimal post-nitride machining/grinding. For more information, email [email protected] or go to www.supersystems.com. Final machining is normally not performed post nitriding. If a carbon spending gas is added, the process is called gas nitrocarburising. Gas nitriding is a thermochemical case hardening process used to increase wear resistance, surface hardness and fatigue life by dissolution of nitrogen and hard nitride precipitations. Gas nitriding is a case-hardening process whereby nitrogen is introduced into the surface of a solid ferrous alloy by holding the metal at a suitable temperature in contact with a nitrogenous gas, usually ammonia. The salts used also donate carbon to the workpiece surface making salt bath a nitrocarburizing process. Gas Nitriding Process. Several unique features of nitriding are: Nitriding is a (relatively) low-temperature process compared to other case-hardening processes (Fig. In the past, the measurement was discontinuous using a water burette that would provide furnace operators with a method of measuring the percentage of residual ammonia in the atmosphere. Continuous measurement of the exhaust gas using a hydrogen analyzer provides a method of closed-loop control by varying the process gases to meet a desired control variable setpoint. ZeroFlow® is a modern, energy-saving and ecological gas nitriding technology used in HRN/VRN type furnaces, allowing for the precise development of the preset composition of the nitrided layer, composed only of alpha, alpha+gamma’ or alpha+gamma’+epsilon … In this case, atmosphere control variables are KN/DA and gas flows, which will facilitate delivery of nitrogen to the processed part. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Fatigue strength is increased mainly by the development of surface compressive stresses. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. To perform continuous closed-loop control, there must be a method of measurement for the atmosphere. Case hardening with subsequent hardening operation, Case hardening without subsequent hardening operation, Fluidised bed/salt bath nitriding/nitrocarburising, Precipitation hardening: Stainless steels, Sub-critical annealing / intercritical annealing, Powdermet® Selective surface net shape (SSNS), Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement. Gas nitriding is a low temperature (typically 520°C/970°F), low distortion “thermochemical” heat treatment process carried out to enhance the surface properties of finished or near finished ferrous components. In general, nitriding of parts involves a thermal process that provides a tough, corrosion-resistant, and wear-resistant surface with less distortion compared to other case hardening processes due to processing temperature and no need for quenching. THE PROCESS Nitriding is a surface-hardening heat treatment that introduces nitrogen into the surface of steel while in contact with a nitrogenous gas, usually ammonia. The Nitriding process is an established and successful means of … For industrial use Nitriding processes are applied typically in the temperature range from 500 – 530°C. All these factors help to reduce distortion during the process… The temperatures selected ranged from 540 to 650 °C (1000 to 1200 °F). Gas nitriding is a form of steel heat treatment in which one uses heat to diffuse nitrogen-rich gas onto the surface of the metal with the intention of hardening it. If a carbon spending gas is added, the process is called gas nitrocarburising. High Temperature Gas Nitriding is carried out on stainless steel alloys at temperatures between 1050 and 1200°C (1925F- 2200°F). He has extensive experience working in the heat treating and software/IT industries. Troubleshooting and Prevention of Cracking in Induction Hardening of Steels: Lessons Learned –... Troubleshooting and Prevention of Cracking in Induction Hardening of Steels:... Heat treatment of PM parts by hot isostatic pressing. Gas nitriding of sintered steels with low density is not recommended. The nitriding temperature for all steels is between 495 and 565°C (925 and 1050°F). The gas and plasma nitrocarburising process takes place best at a temperature of 550 to 580 °C in a nitrogen releasing gas mixture. In this case Corr-I-Dur® might be considered as the preferred choice. the second stage). During gas nitriding, steel is heated to a temperature between 500°C and 580°C in the ammonia atmosphere. One of the major problems with gas nitriding is the understanding of surface preparation in terms of surface cleaning. The nitrogen dissociates, resulting in atomic nitrogen diffusing into the part surface. Since nitriding changes the chemical composition of the surface of the substrate and the process is carried out at medium temperature, it is classified as a thermo chemical process. Gas nitriding is a case hardening process where nitrogen is imparted to workpieces heated in furnaces at around 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Gas nitriding. When nitriding gears, it is common to see requirements that specify no white layer for the finished part. The importance of superior temperature control has been demonstrated, and is related to the Nitriding is most effective when applied to the range of steels containing nitride-forming elements such as chromium, molybdenum, vanadium and aluminium. At temperatures lower than the nitriding temperature, the homogeneity ranges of the phases in the Fe-N phase diagram (Figure 1.10(a) in Chapter 1, Section 1.6) differ from those at the nitriding temperature.The maximum solubility of nitrogen in ferrite has decreased and the minimum nitrogen contents necessary to stabilise γ′ nitride and, particularly, ε nitride have increased. Nitriding is typically carried out in the temperature range of 495° to 565°C, while the steel is in the ferritic condition. Ammonia (NH3) is injected into the furnace during heating and breaks apart upon contact with the workpiece. In general, the investigatory work focused on process temperature.