Everything You Need to Know About Nitriding Steel

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In summary, Nitriding hardens the steel and makes it more brittle. It can go up to high carbon percentages, but it makes the steel very brittle.
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cucumber
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Hallo erstmal.

I would like to know how nitriding steel works, how it hardens steel, whether it makes it more brittle and basically everything else that is interesting about it.

also, I was wondering whether carbon migration has a similar effect, and whether the carbon forms a compound with the iron, and what is the maximum percentage of carbon you can have in steel...

is it true that in ancient greece (or was it rome) people heated swords and slashed up their prisoners to harden the blades, or is that just a myth??

answers please.
thank you.
cucumber.
 
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  • #2
Nitriding involves ntrogen diffusing into the surface of certain steels and forming compounds. It then deforms the steel structure at the surface putting the atomic bonds into tension. This makes the surface very hard indeed (you can't touch it with a hacksaw) and also improves the fatigue strength massively. Fatigue occurs when a cycle of tension, then compression continues for a long period of time. By putting the bonds into tension all the time, the compression part of a wear cycle reduces the tension and then increases it, but doesn't actually put it into compression any more - ie there is no longer a compression/tension cycle, so fatigue problems reduce massively.

It doesn't make the object brittle, as the process only involves the surface and the main material is free to flex as before.

I've had my BSA motorcycle crankshaft nitrided and it hasn't shown any wear at all in thousands of miles of use!

The story about the Romans is believed to be true but the effect would be minimal - if any at all.


Carbon percentages can go to quite high values but as it goes up, the steel becomes very brittle and unusable.

Carbon atoms help to pin down dislocations in the steel and so reduce the steels ductility. Carburizing is a surface effect that gives a very hard surface.
 
  • #3
Helpful nitriding resources can also be found here: http://www.solaratm.com/vacuum-furnace-services/vacuum-nitriding"
 
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1. What is nitriding steel?

Nitriding steel is a surface hardening process in which nitrogen is diffused into the surface of steel to create a hard, wear-resistant layer. This process improves the surface properties of steel without compromising its core strength.

2. Why is nitriding steel important?

Nitriding steel is important because it significantly increases the surface hardness and wear resistance of steel, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. It also improves the fatigue strength and corrosion resistance of steel, making it a highly desirable material for various industries.

3. How is nitriding steel carried out?

Nitriding steel is typically carried out in a gas or plasma environment at high temperatures (500-1100°C), where nitrogen diffuses into the surface of steel. The process can also be carried out in a salt bath or through a process called ion nitriding, which uses an electric current to ionize nitrogen atoms and accelerate their diffusion into the steel surface.

4. What are the benefits of nitriding steel?

Nitriding steel offers several benefits, including increased surface hardness, improved wear resistance, improved fatigue strength, and increased corrosion resistance. It also has a lower risk of distortion compared to other surface hardening processes, making it suitable for complex-shaped parts.

5. What types of steel are suitable for nitriding?

A wide range of steel alloys can be nitrided, including low alloy steels, tool steels, stainless steels, and cast irons. However, the composition and microstructure of the steel can affect the effectiveness and outcome of the nitriding process. Consult with a materials expert to determine the best type of steel for your specific application.

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