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Combined Shape

improves the corrosion resistance of alloys

Nitrotec®

Aalberts surface technologies > processes > Nitrotec®
what is Nitrotec®?
the process
benefits of Nitrotec®
fields of application
groundbreaking industries
locations & contact

what is Nitrotec®?

Nitrotec® (nitriding-oxidising-protection) is a patented thermo-chemical diffusion process, during which the surface of steels is nitrocarburized and next oxidized, cooled and – if requested – sealed. Nitrotec® combines the useful properties of the nitrocarburizing (improved surface hardness and wear resistance, enhanced fatigue strength, nihil distortion) with the high resistance against atmospheric corrosion, increased yield strength and an attractive black finish.

the process

Nitrotec®-layers are created in nitrogen and carbon submitting gaseous atmospheres at temperatures between 540-740⁰C. The treatment generates compound layers, supported by nitrogen rich diffusion zones in the base material. The choice of process temperature, time and nitrogen potential of the atmosphere in relation to the type of steel, controls the structure, composition and hardness of the compound layer and the diffusion zone underneath. The innovative oxidation technique and the special water based quenchants, as well as the organic sealing are based on the technical demands for the application.

At the surface an iron oxide layer (Fe3O4) is formed for improvement of the corrosion resistance of the material. Underneath the oxide layer a compound layer is present, which consists of iron nitrides, iron carbides and nitrides or carbonitrides of the alloying elements. At process temperatures above 590⁰C, a nitrogen-rich austenite layer is formed between the compound layer and diffusion zone. The transition to the core is formed by the diffusion zone, which consist of iron (ferrite)matrix, supersaturated with nitrogen and possibly precipitated nitrides.

In common with other low temperature surface treatments, Nitrotec® does not introduce distortion into the part, this means that components can be used and fitted directly after treatment.

The conventional Nitrotec® has a pleasing black appearance and vastly superior corrosion resistance to zinc plating. These low temperature diffusion treatments make low alloy and mild steels up to four times stronger, produce wear resistance equal to hard chromium plating and result in a black finish that has outstanding resistance to corrosion. 

An important member of the family of Nitrotec® treatments is NITROTEC®-S, a multi-stage process, where parts are first machined to a final surface finish, Nitrotec® treated, surface polished in a controlled manner, followed by a post oxidizing treatment. This finish gives a dramatic improvement in frictional characteristics and corrosion resistance properties, superior to those obtained when using hard chromium plating techniques. 

benefits of Nitrotec®

Toughest in wear resistance
The high surface hardness combined with the composition of the compound layer and the presence of micropores, which can generate intrinsic lubricating properties, result in excellent wear resistance.
Surface hardness

The surface hardness as well as the specific hardness profiles indicate the capability of Nitrotec treated components to resist indentation from point contact surface loading.

Strengthening

When rapidly cooled after Nitrotec treatment, significant strengthening of thin sections, as for example sheet metal, occurs. This results in an increase in both yield strength of the base material and its fatigue strength.

Bearing (tribological) characteristics

Nitrotec combined with an organic sealant retained in the micro porous layer, imparts corrosion resistance superior to that of electro plated components, and comparable to that of medium grades of stainless steels. A combination of Nitrotec finishes with a range of organic sealants give salt corrosion resistance with a minimum of 240 hours.

Surface finish

Nitrotec treatments, that are environmentally friendly and clean, ensure that good surface finishes can be maintained.

Aesthetic finish

Nitrotec treatment produces an aesthetically pleasing black/anthracite surface finish.

Dimensional control

Traditional hardening practices may give rise to distortion and poor dimensional control, because metallurgical phase changes when rapidly quenching from high treatment temperatures. During Nitrotec treatment these changes do not occur, therefore allowing the treatment of close-tolerance precision parts, especially thin section components.

Layer

The layer which is formed during Nitrotec consists of compound zone which is supported by a nitrogen-austenite layer. The oxide, so-called magnetite, is about 1 μm in thickness and can be increased up to 4 μm when applicable. Also, the thickness of the compound layer is variable pending on the material and the application. Underneath the nitrogen-austenite, the so-called diffusion zone is created.

fields of application

The types of components that are treated with Nitrotec® include: Pistons, Ball Studs and Other Mild Steel Components.

Nitrotec® is a replacement for chromium plating. It is more environmentally friendly and delivers heat treatment of steels and alloys very successfully. 

Improvements in performance can significantly reduce the manufacturing and material cost of components, a fact proved repeatedly by the automotive industry as they use treated pressed parts. 

downloads

Nitrotec® brochure

groundbreaking industries we serve

Tool Manufacturing
tool manufacturing
aalberts surface technologies automotive
automotive
Electric motor
e-mobility
Kerpen Hard anodizing
engineering industry
food industry
food
medical industry
medical

process locations

Any questions? Contact us directly or select a process location near you.

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Birmingham

United Kingdom
52.5108198-1.8767323 info.birmingham@aalberts-st.com +44 121 322 2280 show location
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the Netherlands
51.44642316.1786697 info.venlo@aalberts-st.com +31 77 308 1333 show location
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Sweden
57.265275813.615284 info.nordic@aalberts-st.com +46 371 58 71 70 show location
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