Advances in Ion Nitriding and Nitrocarburizing

The ion nitriding process uses high voltage power operating in the 500 – 1000 volt DC range, often conducting hundreds of amps to power the process by activating the glow discharge. The glow discharge is capable of heating parts and ionizing the atmosphere to allow the process to operate.

This paper provides insight to ion nitriding and nitrocarburizing and discusses new advances, widening the range of applications for the plasma process. Many of the advances are in the form of advanced process control electronics, mass flow controllers for process gas flow, and most importantly, newer high voltage power supply designs with high speed microprocessor arc detection technology. An overview of the process and sample metallurgical results will be presented.