gas nitriding
Gas nitriding is a heat treatment process used to enhance the surface hardness and wear resistance of metals, particularly steel. During this process, the metal is exposed to a nitrogen-rich gas atmosphere at elevated temperatures, typically between 500°C and 600°C. This allows nitrogen atoms to diffuse into the surface of the metal, forming hard nitrides.
The primary benefits of gas nitriding include improved fatigue strength and corrosion resistance. Unlike other methods, such as case hardening, gas nitriding does not require quenching, which reduces the risk of distortion and cracking in the treated parts. This makes it a popular choice in various industrial applications.