Application of Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation for improved performance of tools and industrial components

Abstract

Surface processing of tools and other industrial components was carried out by Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation (PIII) for the improvement of their tribological properties and consequently to reach their prolonged lifetime. Tools made of different types of steels, mainly for the production of rivets, had their lifetime extended for up to 70 times, reducing cost and improving productivity in a mass producing line. Metallic samples used in components for prosthesis (CrNiMo) showed improvements in hardness of up to 250% after nitrogen PIII while non-conducting polymer used also for prosthesis component (UHMWPE) was hardened significantly due to the formation of a DLC layer in the treated surface. Tungsten carbide tools were also nitrogen PIII processed which resulted in some improvement in their lifetime but more importantly in excellent surface finishing of the produced Ti parts for dental implants. Steel samples made from H13 alloy showed successful PIII implantation profile (up to depths of 18 μm) and improved hardness of a factor of two was obtained. These results for H13 steel point toward successful applications in molds and other industrial components.