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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Nitriding

We are basically into pharmaceuticals machinery mfg and wanted to know about the nitriding process how it is carried out and what are the benefits of the same.

Gaurav B Dodia
Bectochem Enggs Mittal Estate Andheri (e) Mumbai 59 - Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

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Nitriding is a heat treating process, generally done on steel. It generates a hard case on the surface of the steel, commonly 50 to 500 microns deep. One heats the parts you want nitrided in a chamber that has nitrogen ions, and the ions diffuse into the part. Nitriding of steels is done below the Ac1 temperature (550C or so), so that the steel doesn't have a phase change.

It sounds simple: but remember that playing the flute is merely blowing in one end and moving your fingers up and down the outside. In both endeavors, there can be considerable technique involved.

Lee Gearhart
metallurgist - E. Aurora, New York