What does nitriding do to steel?
The main objectives of nitriding are to increase the surface hardness of the material, as well as its wear resistance, fatigue life, and corrosion resistance [30], which are achieved by the presence of the nitrided layer.
What metals can be nitrided?
Aluminum, chromium, molybdenum, titanium, tungsten, and vanadium easily combine with nitrogen at high temperatures to form nitrides of the respective metals. Low-carbon alloys of steel containing these metals are typically good candidates for nitriding.
What steels are commonly used for nitriding?
The steels for nitriding are chromium-molybdenum steels and contain aluminum, which produces a much higher surface hardness after nitriding. Out of the nitride forming elements aluminum, chromium, vanadium and molybdenum, the elements chromium and aluminum particularly affect surface hardness.
Can you nitride gauge plate?
We also often treat “gauge plate” (01) steel, often referred to as ground flat stock, though not technically nitrideable it does produce a degree of nitride hardness, sufficient to provide abrasion resistance suitable for use in many applications.
Which steel is suitable for surface hardening by nitriding process?
In the nitriding process, the metal surface (0.003–0.015 in.) is transformed to a hard iron nitride material suitable for mild abrasion and steam resistance.
Does nitriding add thickness?
During nitriding the volume of the component increases by 3% of the layer thickness.
How do you do nitriding?
In gas nitriding the donor is a nitrogen-rich gas, usually ammonia (NH3), which is why it is sometimes known as ammonia nitriding. When ammonia comes into contact with the heated work piece it dissociates into nitrogen and hydrogen. The nitrogen then diffuses onto the surface of the material creating a nitride layer.
How much thickness does nitride add?
During nitriding the volume of the component increases by 3% of the layer thickness. Adhesion is very good. Care has to be taken to prevent selective growth at the edges.