Gas nitriding is a relatively low-temperature process used for case hardening. The metal part is heated in a nitrogen-rich atmosphere to produce a deep, hard case.

Other benefits of gas nitriding include: high surface hardness, improved wear resistance, improved anti-galling properties, better fatigue life, and improved resistance to the softening effects of heat.

Gas nitriding is especially suitable for alloy steels and tool steels. The relatively low process temperature makes the process ideal for parts where low distortion and deformation are important.

Thermex’s experienced metallurgical engineering staff will oversee the gas nitriding process to meet your specifications, or work with you to develop the process most suitable to your application. Nitriding can be combined with carburizing for better case depth and hardness.

All gas nitriding operations are carried out under an ISO 9001:2000 Registered Quality Management System. Process quality controls include:

• complete control of temperature, time, and furnace atmospheric composition Furnaces are controlled by digital process controllers to ensure reproducible results. Systems are automatically controlled to precise dew point levels.
• random microhardness case depth surveys on case-hardened test coupons
• temperature uniformity surveys of furnaces
• daily accuracy checks of all hardness testers

Contact Thermex for more information on our gas nitriding services.