Aichelin-USA, Plymouth, Mich., has received an order from the Fiat Chrysler transmission plant in Kokomo, Indiana, for a ferritic nitrocarburizing furnace. The order is for the tenth FNC furnace, which will be added to the existing furnace cell shown in the photo. The system includes the Flexiclean washer system, pre-oxidizing furnaces, cooling stations, endothermic gas generators, and one dual-directional loading cart with automated loading and unloading stations.
Ferritic nitrocarburizing (FNC) has become increasingly significant, especially when the process is combined with steam oxidation. The result of this heat treatment is a wear-resistant oxidation layer that is similar to hard chrome plating with comparably good corrosion resistance. A beneficial secondary effect is the black or anthracite colored part surface.
This treatment requires furnaces with a gas-tight retort. The furnace can be heated electrically or with industrial gas burners. The batch retort furnace, especially designed for that purpose, offers all the conditions for economical heat treatment with reproducible results.
This furnace will be built in the United States, and supported by the Aichelin-USA team based in Plymouth.
