PROCEDURE
Nitriding
Nitriding is a thermochemical process in which nitrogen diffuses into the surface of a metal workpiece in order to improve its mechanical and physical properties. The process usually takes place at elevated temperatures in a nitrogen-rich atmosphere. A hard nitride layer forms on the metal surface, which increases the wear resistance, hardness, corrosion resistance and fatigue strength of the workpiece. Nitriding is used in various industries, including the automotive, aerospace, tooling and engineering industries, to improve the performance and service life of components.
Our nitriding processes
at a glance
Gas nitriding
Gas nitriding can be used to provide a component with improved corrosion protection and high wear and vibration resistance.
Plasma nitriding
In plasma nitriding, the surface layer of a workpiece is enriched with nitrogen in an ionised gas atmosphere
Salt bath nitriding
In salt bath nitriding, the parts to be treated are treated in a nitriding bath to increase the surface hardness and then oxidised in a quenching bath
Nitriding processes
in comparison
| Criteria | Gas Nitriding | Plasma Nitriding (Ion Nitriding) | Salt Bath Nitriding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | Ammonia gas | Low-pressure nitrogen plasma | Nitrogen-rich molten salt |
| Temperature range | Approx. 500–580 °C | Approx. 480–580 °C | Approx. 570–590 °C |
| Layer structure | Compound layer + diffusion zone | Precisely controllable structure | Compound layer + diffusion zone |
| Case depth | Approx. 0.1–0.7 mm | Approx. 0.01–0.6 mm | Approx. 0.01–0.3 mm |
| Hardness (HV) | Up to ~1100 HV | Up to ~1200 HV | Up to ~1000 HV |
| Distortion | Low | Very low | Low |
| Surface finish | Slightly rough | Very smooth | Smooth, may require post-treatment |
| Best suited for | Mass production, large components | Complex geometries, high precision | Small parts, tools, mass quantities |
| Process control | Limited | Highly accurate | Restricted |
| Environmental impact | Moderate (ammonia use) | High (clean and safe) | Low (salt disposal required) |
| Typical applications | Gears, crankshafts, shafts | Precision parts, tooling, medical components | Bolts, screws, small tools |
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Important information
about nitriding
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What is nitriding?
Nitriding is a thermochemical heat treatment process in which nitrogen is introduced into the surface of a metal part. The aim is to increase the hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of the workpiece.
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What are the advantages of nitriding?
- Higher surface hardness
- Improved wear protection
- Increased corrosion resistance
- Increased fatigue strength
- Low distortion of the workpiece due to low process temperature
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For which materials is nitriding suitable?
Nitriding is particularly suitable for nitridable steels containing alloying elements such as chromium, molybdenum, aluminum, or vanadium. Some stainless steels and cast irons can also be treated.
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Welche Nitrierverfahren gibt es?
The three most common processes are:
- Gas nitriding: nitrogen supply via ammonia gas
- Plasma nitriding (ion nitriding): Use of plasma for nitrogen diffusion
- Salt bath nitriding: Treatment in nitrogen-containing molten salts
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How thick is the nitriding layer?
Depending on the material and process, the nitriding layer can be between 10 µm and over 600 µm thick. The depth of the diffusion zone is influenced by the treatment time, temperature, and material.
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Does nitriding cause distortion of the component?
No – one of the biggest advantages of nitriding is the minimal change in dimensions. Since the process is carried out at comparatively low temperatures, the risk of distortion or deformation is very low.
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How long does a nitriding process take?
The process duration depends on the desired layer depth, the material, and the selected nitriding process. Typically, the treatment takes between 10 and 80 hours.