Why Nitride?

Abstract

The unique advantages of the nitriding process were recognized by the Germans in the early 1920s. It was used in applications that required: high torque, high wear resistance; abrasive wear resistance; corrosion resistance; and high surface compressive strength. This chapter focuses on key process considerations and factors that helped nitriding gain acceptance. These include a low-temperature process, no quench requirement, minimal distortion, high hardness values, resistance to oxidation, and the core properties of nitrided alloy steels.