Vacuum Nitriding

Vacuum nitriding provides excellent surface hardening and improves metallurgical characteristics to extend part wear life.  In fact, depending on the alloy processed, Solar’s vacuum nitriding increases the surface hardness by 40% – 70%!  To preserve part specifications, vacuum nitriding’s controlled low temperature (1050°F) minimizes any inherent part distortion.  Metallurgically, the surface hardness depth (.001- .020) preserves the core strength and durability while improved fatigue resistance and anti-galling properties for adhesive and abrasive wear.

Depending on your requirements, Solar offers two vacuum nitriding processes, gas or ion (plasma).  Gas nitriding surface hardens ferrous materials by processing parts below the austenitic temperature.  The part surface is diffused with dissociated ammonia (nascent nitrogen, NH3) in the vacuum furnace.  The result is a hard, wear resistant surface.  Ion nitriding results from a reaction caused by a high voltage glow discharge between the metal being processed (the cathode) and the vacuum chamber’s wall (the anode). Operating parameters such as applied voltage, vacuum level and nitrogen ions react with the metal alloys forming the nitrided surface. Solar’s sales engineers will recommend the best process for your application based on specifications, part geometry and application. 

Coming on line in February 2009 will be a new gas nitriding furnace that will process loads up to 1,000 lbs.  The Solar Manufacturing furnace, 36” wide x 42” long x 30” high will feature several innovations.  The vacuum chamber will enable precision processing with microprocessor controls for the temperature, gas flow meters and cycle times. 

Offering both gas and ion nitriding means Solar can surface harden simple or complex geometries.  Please call Solar (800.347.3236) or email (info@solaratm.com) to discuss the best nitriding alternative for your application.  Solar’s sales engineers are eager to be of assistance.

Vacuum Nitriding Advantages

• Minimized distortion with precise temperature processing (low temperature 1050°F)
• White layer (brittle outer layer) minimized compared to traditional gas nitriding
• Improved fatigue resistance
• Anti-galling (adhesive and abrasive resistance reduced)
• Vacuum purity for processing (no oxidation)
• Clean part finish

Solar Advantages

• State-of-the-art vacuum nitriding furnaces
• Small or large production capacities
• Computer controls for gas flow, temperature and cycle times
• Cycle repeatability
• Loads up to 1000 lbs, with 42” lengths
• In-house testing capability
• Consultation and testing from Solar’s Technology Center for new material applications
• Laboratory nitriding furnace (7” dia. X 12” high) for cycle development

Materials Currently Processed (new applications are continually being developed)

• Alloy steels (improves corrosion resistance)
• Tool steels
• Mold and die steels
• Stainless steels
• PH steels
• Carbon steels
• Powdered metals
• Nitralloys