Surface Structure Evaluation of Functional Surfaces after Plasma Nitriding of Barrel Steel 42CrMo4

Abstract

With increasing demands on the functional properties of machine parts, the demands on the quality of their surfaces are increasing. Any technological method used to realize the surface of functional surfaces leaves unevenness, which is essential for the function of these surfaces. The increase of the functional properties of functional surfaces can be realized by using the plasma nitriding method. However, the used diffusion technology also changes the surface structure of the components. The presented paper deals with evaluation of the change of the structure of the ground functional surfaces of barrel steel 42CrMo4 after plasma nitriding. Furthermore, the change in surface hardness and friction and wear coefficient, which have a direct effect on the functional properties, was analysed. The surface structure deteriorates and the friction coefficient is slightly increased after plasma nitriding. However, the wear coefficient reaches lower values, which, together with an increase in surface hardness, result in the use of this technology for exposed components.