Technology / product information

In mechanical and automotive manufacturing, maintaining surface hardness and dimensional accuracy is crucial. The Gas Soft Nitriding process offers an optimal solution for improving surface wear resistance without causing thermal distortion or cracking. This low-temperature, gas-controlled treatment creates a uniform, hard surface while preserving the core’s toughness ideal for shafts, gears, pins, bushings, and precision components.

Process Principle
In the Gas Soft Nitriding process, parts are heated in a controlled ammonia-based nitrogen gas atmosphere at temperatures below 570 °C. Nitrogen atoms react with the steel surface to form two distinct layers a compound nitride layer (ε-Fe₂₋₃N) on the surface and a nitrogen diffusion layer beneath it. These layers enhance surface hardness (400–900 HV), wear resistance, fatigue strength, and corrosion resistance, while maintaining the base material’s original structure.

Properties After Treatment
Surface hardness: 400–900 HV (depending on material and processing time).
Smooth, uniform surface with no dimensional change or distortion.
Significantly improved wear and friction resistance.
Enhanced corrosion resistance under normal atmospheric conditions.
Extended component lifespan and reduced maintenance frequency.

Applicable Materials
Suitable for carbon structural steels (S-Series) and alloy steels (SCM, SNCM Series) that require a hard surface combined with a tough, ductile core.
Note: Not recommended for stainless steels (SUS Series) due to the Cr₂O₃ surface layer, which inhibits nitrogen diffusion.

Applications & Use Cases
Gas Soft Nitriding is ideal for general mechanical components requiring high surface hardness and precision, such as Shafts, Gears, Bushings, Pins and other mechanical parts. Capable of handling workpieces up to 760 × 1230 × 720 mm using the THN-80 Batch Type Furnace, which ensures uniform temperature and gas distribution.

Advantages of Gas Soft Nitriding
Low-temperature process minimizes distortion.
Increases surface hardness and wear resistance without structural alteration.
Improves fatigue strength and corrosion resistance.
Produces smooth surfaces suitable for precision components.
Automated control ensures consistent quality and process repeatability.

Summary
Gas Soft Nitriding is a low-temperature surface hardening technology designed to increase wear resistance, fatigue strength, and surface hardness without part distortion. By forming a durable ε-Fe₂₋₃N compound layer and nitrogen diffusion layer, the process achieves surface hardness levels of 400–900 HV, making it suitable for carbon and alloy steels used in all types of mechanical components.

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