Advanced Heat Treat Corp., Waterloo, Iowa, offers UltraGlow ion nitriding, a case-hardening treatment in which glow discharge technology introduces nitrogen ions to the surface of a metal for diffusion into the part.
This process is carried out in a vacuum vessel in which a high-voltage electrical charge forms a plasma, causing nitrogen ions to accelerate and impinge on the metal. When the nitrogen ions bombard the part, they heat up the metal, clean the surface, and cause nitrogen to be absorbed into the surface. This process is sometimes called ion nitrocarburizing or plasma ferritic nitrocarburizing.
Plasma nitriding is widely used to generate a hard case on engineering surfaces for enhanced performance of many tribological components. Recently this process has found wider applications in advanced surfaces in aerospace, electronics and power systems for corrosion protection. In addition, plasma nitrided surfaces are being investigated for fuel cells and human implants.
UltraGlow’s case hardening process can create a controlled white layer or compound zone that reduces susceptibility to corrosion or rust. Surface lubricity can be enhanced tenfold, and the process improves overall resistance to wear and tear of moving parts within another assembly.
No toxic salts or gases are used in the manufacturing process. Therefore, it’s a safe and clean process that will be around for a lifetime.
The working parameters of Advanced Heat Treat Corp.’s ion nitriding equipment are very large, up to 160 inches in diameter, 360 inches in length, and up to 60,000 pounds in weight.
