Nano-S: controlled low temperature nitriding, an alternative to thermal spray coatings

Nano-S, a low-temperature nitriding process designed mainly for stainless steels is a well controlled surface treatment. The key to its successful advancement is precise atmosphere control, which allows shaping the surface properties according to exacting specifications. Typically, accurate control of the nitriding potential is essential during the main processing stage time at a given process temperature.

Nitrex Metal Inc has developed process control technologies that allow for tight control of low temperature nitriding parameters resulting in both improved quality and lowered manufacturing costs. These technologies target a surface layer nitrogen supersaturation throughout the process by adapting the potential set point to various process temperatures and stages.

The paper will explore aspects of gas atmosphere control and metallurgical results. Evolution of microstructures, microhardness profiles, fatigue and electrochemical corrosion tests data are presented together with applications.