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What is ion nitriding?

Dear Wimble,

What is ion nitriding and what is this process of metal treating good for?

Jose

Dear Jose,

I love it when someone tries to stump the Great Wimble. Unfortunately, it’s not possible. To put it simply, the day that the Great Wimble is stumped comes “when pigs fly”. Now, on to the question.

Ion Nitriding can be a very confusing process. However, the process is quite simple in all reality. Ion Nitriding is a thermal process in which Nitrogen Ions are diffused into the surface of a metal. When a metal is placed into an “ion-nitrider”, the container is sealed and the air is pumped out. It is then replaced with a nitrogen rich atmosphere. When a negative charge is applied to the metal, the nitrogen ions atract and bombard the metal. This creates a chemical bond, and as a result hardens the metal.

Ion Nitriding is vastly superior to other methods of metal hardening because the variables are easier to control. The control of temperatures, voltages, amperage, and gas mixtures work together to control the depth of penetration and the hardness of the metal.

This process also results in a plasma glow. This is due to the electricity and gas mixtures. It looks like something you would find on another planet. Very neat looking.

There are many benefits to Ion Nitriding. Ion Nitrided metals have a higher abrasion resistance. This results in less wear between moving parts and the surface lubricity of the metal is enhanced. Metals can be made to have more than double the hardness of other treating techniques. Ion Nitriding improves fatigue strengths which results in a longer lifespan of the metal. Ion Nitriding is much more precise and versatile than other treating techniques. Ion Nitriding is non-polluting and it requires less energy and utility costs. Ion Nitriding can reduce the time it takes to treat the metals, mainly because the parts can be used immediately after being treated since no polishing is necessary.

So, I hope that answers your questions. Ion Nitriding is a great technological advance. Why? Because it puts off that awesome plasma glow!!! That’s the only really cool part of the whole process!!

Wimble