Ion Nitriding and Ion FNC
Surface is your experienced source for ion technologies
using our reliable furnace products
Surface® Combustion offers a wide range of standard and custom designed ion (plasma) nitriding furnaces for batch processing of parts.
With our diversity of atmosphere and ion nitriding capabilities and companion equipment and controls, Surface provides the best technology suited for each specific processing requirement.
Ion Nitriding
Ideal for extended life parts that benefit from this high precision nitriding process
Nitriding is a case hardening process that adds nitrogen to the surface of ferrous materials. A thin, uniform hard surface layer, known as the compound layer or white layer, develops.
Ion Characteristics:
Surface Solution:
The ion process is an alternative to the gas nitriding process that uses a vacuum environment along with high-voltage electrical energy in the form of plasma to accelerate nitrogen ions to impinge the surface of the work piece. This ion bombardment acts as primary or secondary heat source, cleans the surface, and provides nitrogen to the surface.
Surface Combustion’s originally licensed technology utilizes DC power supplies and now offers a pulse power AC solution with arc detection. The key differences between conventional gas and ion nitriding is the electrical energy used to generate nascent nitrogen at the surface of the work being processed and that no ammonia is required.
Surface has installed ion nitriding furnaces globally and offers a wide range of designs and companion equipment for the following processes:
- Epsilon White Layer
- Gamma Prime White Layer
- No White Layer
Generally, ion nitriding can be performed anywhere conventional gas nitriding is used in a batch furnace configuration. Surface offers a wide array of furnace system designs, in either vertical or horizontal, and can be added to any machining cell due to the cold wall assembly. We offer the nitriding furnace in several other configurations alongside ion nitriding furnaces such as an electric retort pit nitriding furnace.
Surface Equipment Product Benefits:
Fuel Used: Electric
Ammonia Used: No
Temperature Range: 840-1050 °F (449-566 °C)
Load Size: 3,000 to 20,000 lbs (1,360 to 9,071 kg)
Repeatable Process: High repeatability
Floor Space: Cold walled, can be in machining area
Surface has the capability to test the process and optimize the results to verify the outcome. Our lab is used to create the recipe needed for the best product results. A recipe is developed for every furnace installation.
Why Nitriding?
Nitriding is performed at a lower temperature and does not require quenching which minimizes distortion, does not affect core hardness, and allows for a final part shape with no post-machining.
The nitriding process provides excellent surface hardness without introducing distortion. Wear resistance and galling resistance are increased while corrosion resistance is also enhanced. Workpieces in this process tend to have higher fatigue strength.
Applications:
Aerospace
Engine Components
Exhaust Components
Fasteners
Fuel Lines/Components
Hydraulic Components
Landing Gears
Structural/Wing/Flap
Agriculture
Agriculture
Blades
Cutters
Tooling
Aluminum
Extrusion Dies
Drawing Dies
High Pressure Die Casting
(HPDC) Dies
Armaments
Breech Blocks
Cannon Barrels
Rifle Barrels
Automotive and Truck Industries
Engine
(Gasoline & Diesel)
Barrels
Cylinder Bushings
End Plates
Fuel Injectors
Gears
Lifters
Nozzles
Shafts
Timing Chains
Valves
Bodies and Assembly
Ball Studs
Bumper Molds
Hot Forging Dies
Razor Blades
Driveline
(Gasoline & Diesel)
Axles
Bearings
Gears
Rotors
Shafts
Synchronizers
Coating and Cutting Industry
Bit Holders
Blade Holders
Doctor Blades
Razor Blades
Saw Blades (Bi-Metal)
Saw Blades (Single Metal)
Energy
Compressors
Rings
Valves
Valve Seats
Plastics Industry
Barrels
Check Valves
End Plates
Molds
Nozzles
Pins
Screws
Sleeves
Textile Industry
Broaches
Guides
Rollers
Rolls
Wear Plates
Tool Industry
Drills
Hobs
Mills
Punches
Reamers
Taps
Surface Knowledge of Product and Process Supports Your Solution
Surface’s extensive line of furnaces includes relevant companion equipment to ensure the nitriding line installation process is complete. Equipment and Furnace Control Systems are developed based on your application needs.
Companion Equipment
Surface offers a full line of companion equipment for the controlled atmosphere nitriding furnace:
- Forced Atmosphere Cooling Systems
- Loading Cars for Horizontal Configurations
- Supervisory Computer Control Systems
Furnace Control System
The Multi-Zone Electric Heating system is included in each furnace system. All nitriding furnace configurations can be provided with control of the nitriding potential (Kn). This system consists of:
- Online Material Databases
- Process Calculators
- Control of Furnace Pressure
- Temperature Control
Atmosphere probes for online continuous control of:
- Nitriding Potential
- Nitrocarburizing Potential
- Oxidation Potential
- Disassociation Rate
Additional Benefits:
- Mass flow controls for precise control of flow rates
- Available control system for furnace temperature, load temperature, furnace pressure, gas mixing composition, and power supply
Ready to Get Started?
Please call us when you are ready to discuss a new furnace or maintain, upgrade or replace your furnace or any part of your furnace. At Surface, we look forward to helping you with any thermal processing needs.
Call Surface with the following information ready to initiate your furnace solution.
cycle
operation
hours per year
available space
operating temperature range
heat source
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