The nitriding process creates a nitrogen rich layer in the component. In practice, this generally takes the form of gas nitriding or plasma nitriding. Dominial has the possibility for gasnitriding, Gasnitriding is a diffusion process.

The longer the nitriding duration, the greater the nitriding hardness depth (NHD). The higher the temperature varies between 500 and 570 degrees, the further the nitrogen can penetrate in a given time. In general however, the internal hardness of the nitrided layer falls as the treatment temperature rises. Materials with nitride-forming elements (e.g. chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, aluminium) display a greater nitriding hardness, but the possible penetration depth of the nitrogen falls as the alloy content increases.

Dominial primarily uses gas nitriding. Here, nitrogen gas diffuses through a split ammonia gas atmosphere, generally at 500-570°C. Depending on the material, nitride hardness depths (NHD) of 0.1 – 1mm can be achieved by employing long treatment durations of 10-160 hours. The main objectives are improving component strength, wear resistance, sliding properties,  and bending fatigue strength. Partial treatment can be performed using a paste insulation.

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 materials 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.

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

Material designation

Surface hardness in HV (incl. test load)

Nitriding hardness layer (NHD) in mm

The drawing gives areas that should not be nitrided

Low distortion, less machining after nitriding

High resistance to wear with adhesion

Reduction in friction coefficients

Saving in lubricants

Formation of corrosion-resistant layers

Thermal stability of nitriding layer to 400°C

Partial nitriding possible