The proces nitrocarburizing is to provide the right content of nitrogen and carbon into the furace at 550 -580 degrees. The main objective is wear resistance in combination with high corrosion protection. The NHD is 0.1-0.35 mm. Partial treatment is possible. The treatment is performed to produce the desired compound layer; the precipitation layer is usually of secondary importance. post-oxidation can improve the corrosion of resistance remarkable. The oxidation treatment gives the parts an attractive black color.

All common steel, cast and sinter materials can be treated by nitriding. Non-alloy, low alloy and medium alloy materials are suitable; high alloy materials (> 13% Cr) are mostly unsuitable due to their surface passivity, these parts can be plasmanitrided.

Hardness is measured in accordance with EN ISO 6507 in HV (Vickers). Nitriding hardness depth (NHD) is measured in accordance with DIN 50190, Part 3. Traditional metallographic testing methods are used to assess the layers.

Low distortion
High resistance to wear with adhesion
Modification of layers to types of wear
Reduction to wear ressistance
Saving in lubricants
Formation of corrosion-resistant layers
Thermal stability of nitriding layer to 400°C
Partial nitriding possible

In addition to the material and the heat treatment prior to nitriding, the following information should be given as quality standards in the production drawing

Material
Surface hardness in HV (incl. test load)
Nitriding hardness layer (NHD) in mm
Thickness of the compound layer in µm (VS)
Thickness of the oxide layer in µm (OS)
The drawing gives parts that should not be nitrided