A comparison of some properties of the computer controlled nitriding process versus carburizing

Abstract

A comparison is presented of the nitriding and carburizing processes. Traditional gas nitriding, despite its several advantages over carburizing, has still not achieved its due popularity. The key factor is inadequate process control. An industrial-scale computerized system, employing the nitriding potential as the fundamental controlling parameter, can produce repeatable, superior nitriding results, limiting layer brittleness and enhancing usable properties. Results obtained showed that nitriding layers match carburized layers in fatigue, while exceeding them in both impact strength and wear resistance. The superiority of the computer-controlled process over traditional nitriding is illustrated by results of wear testing. The advent of controlled nitriding makes this process a viable alternative to carburizing.