Super Systems Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, reports that Callies Precision Engine Components has installed an SSI automated system with the ability to achieve tight nitriding process control using an easy-to-use recipe system that maintains tight tolerances on temperature, gas flow, and nitriding potential.
The relatively shallow nitride case delivers significant improvement to the fatigue life of every Callies crankshaft. The extremely hard nitrided surface also gives the crankshaft excellent wear resistance. The SSI control system provides the latest in sensor and flow technology for measuring the nitriding atmosphere, and an operator-friendly interface to provide complete traceability to the process and load data.
The SSi control panel was retrofitted on an existing a Lindberg pit furnace previously used for nitriding. Delivering proper surface and case properties requires in-situ control of the nitriding potential (Kn) and control of the ammonia, dissociated ammonia, and nitrogen gases. The system delivered by SSi also included the control of the dissociated ammonia (DA) generator. The controls for the DA generator provide gas-flow monitoring and temperature control to ensure the ammonia is fully cracked prior to being used as process gas in the furnace.
