Low Temperature Plasma Nitriding is a recent development in the nitriding of stainless steels and iron superalloys. The process involves low temperature (350-450°C) nitriding and/or carburizing, which super-saturates the surface of the metal and expands the lattice. This expanded layer is sometimes referred to as the “S-Phase”.
Although no new phase is formed, the properties of the expanded layer are unique. The thin hard layer formed addresses wear resistance, chemical resistance, fretting resistance, corrosion performance, and other life limiting properties that plague stainless steels in demanding applications.
Characteristics:
- Thickness: 10-30 microns (0.0005-.0012in)
- Hardness: 900-1300 HV
- Enhanced corrosion and chemical resistance
Compatible Materials:
- 300 series stainless steels such as 304 and 316
- Precipitate hardening stainless steels (17-4ph, 15-5ph, 13-8Mo, A286)
- Some martensitic stainless steels (410, 420)
- Some duplex stainless steels
- Some cobalt and nickel based alloys
