Low-Temperature Plasma Nitriding
When Micrometers Make the Difference: Low-Temperature Plasma Nitriding for Maximum Dimensional Accuracy
For many precision components, the focus is not on the achievable hardness, but rather on the question: Will the component retain its dimensional accuracy after heat treatment?
This is precisely where the strength of low-temperature plasma nitriding lies. Compared to conventional nitriding processes, the treatment is carried out at a particularly low temperature range. This minimizes the thermal impact on the component and preserves its original geometry as much as possible.
This process is particularly well-suited for components with tight tolerances, high requirements for fit accuracy, and a need for reproducible surface properties.
When Every Micrometer Counts
Especially when it comes to mold inserts, precision plates, tools, guides, or high-precision machine components, even the slightest deviations can result in costly rework. Grinding, rework, or readjustments not only extend lead times but also increase manufacturing costs.
It is important to distinguish between two effects:
Dimensional change refers to the variation in the dimensions of individual components resulting from nitrogen incorporation into the surface layer. This is inherent to the process and, in the case of low-temperature plasma nitriding, typically varies only within a very narrow range. In an application analyzed by HTR, the dimensional change in a treated plate was at most 1 µm, with no change in straightness whatsoever.
Distortion refers to a change in the original geometry of a component, such as bending, twisting, or warping. This effect, in particular, can be critical for precision components.
Because the material is subjected to low thermal stress, both dimensional changes and the tendency to warp can be significantly reduced. This makes the process particularly attractive for finished components that must meet high standards for dimensional and geometric accuracy.
High surface hardness with maximum precision
Low-temperature plasma nitriding significantly increases surface hardness and wear resistance without significantly affecting the component geometry. The achievable surface hardness ranges from 900 to 1300 HV1, and the effective nitriding depth is between 0.05 and 0.1 mm
as well as the layer structure (a bonding layer less than 2 µm thick with a diffusion zone greater than 20 µm) always depend on
- the material used,
- the alloy composition.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Please use our contact form or contact our sales team directly.
Silvio Stranek
Sales, Technical Consulting / Quotes (Upper Austria, Tyrol, Salzburg, Vorarlberg, Bavaria, South Tyrol)
Email. s.stranek@htr.at
Phone: +43 (0) 664 / 88 92 78 10
Thomas Stadlober
Sales, Technical Consulting / Quotes (Styria, Vienna, Lower Austria, Carinthia, Slovenia)
Email. t.stadlober@htr.at
Phone: +43 (0) 664 / 88 64 15 06
OTHER NITRIDING PROCESSES
gas nitriding
In gas nitriding, nitrogen is released from ammonia; at temperatures between 500°C and 600°C, this nitrogen penetrates the surface of the component, where it forms a wear-resistant nitride layer.
Salt bath nitriding
In salt bath nitriding, the parts to be treated are immersed in a nitriding bath to increase their surface hardness and are then oxidized in a quenching bath.
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