Gas Nitriding Heat Treatment for Machined Parts, Stampings, and Tooling by ThermTech
ThermTech is a pioneering figure in providing gas nitriding heat treatment for machined parts, stampings, and tooling. Gas nitriding, a heat treatment technique, introduces nitrogen into the surface layer of steel components using an ammonia gas atmosphere at elevated temperatures. It has emerged as an essential process, particularly for case-hardened machined components with wear surfaces.
Technical Benefits of Gas Nitriding:
- Superior Wear Resistance: The formation of iron nitrides enhances the wear resistance, prolonging the component’s lifespan.
- Optimized Fatigue Life: Essential for parts like gears under cyclical loads, the nitrided layer boosts fatigue strength.
- Minimal Distortion: With its operation at relatively lower temperatures compared to other techniques, gas nitriding minimizes thermal stresses and distortions, making it perfect for parts where tight tolerances are paramount.
- Improved Corrosion Resistance: The process enhances the corrosion resistance of certain steel grades.
- Controlled Case Depth: The nitriding time and temperature offer precise control over the desired case depth.
Gas Nitriding Capabilities by ThermTech:
ThermTech’s specialized gas nitriding treatments include:
- Gas Nitriding 4140 (pre-hardened)
- Gas Nitriding S-7 (pre-hardened)
- Gas Nitriding H-13 (pre-hardened)
- Gas Nitriding P-20
- Gas Nitriding Nitralloy 135M
Moreover, selective gas nitriding is achievable through nitride stop-off paints, allowing for targeted treatment areas.
Batch-Type Retort Furnaces:
ThermTech’s state-of-the-art approach utilizes batch-type retort furnaces, ensuring:
- Optimum process and lot control.
- AMS 2750 compliant furnaces.
- Capabilities include working dimensions of 33.5” DIA X 53” long or 30” DIA x 78” long.
Case Depth:
ThermTech is adaptable to client needs:
- Shallow case depth load (0.003”) runs every weeknight with a rapid 24-hour turnaround.
- Nitriding heat treatment for deeper case depths is a standard offering.
- However, they do not provide gas nitriding services for stainless steel.
Gas Nitriding Process at ThermTech:
- Previously hardened parts are heated in a controlled environment to a temperature below their prior tempering temperature.
- The temperature is maintained proportionate to the case depth requirement.
- Post nitride hardening, parts are hand-blasted using aluminum-oxide blast media to eliminate excess nitride stop-off paint.
- Growth due to gas nitriding process ranges from .0005-.001” due to the deposition of the white layer.
Gas nitriding, with its myriad of benefits, ensures machined parts, stampings, and tooling are equipped for durability, strength, and enhanced performance. With ThermTech’s expertise, you’re guaranteed a precise and efficient heat treatment process. For inquiries on deeper case depths and other specifics, reach out to ThermTech’s dedicated Customer Support.
