plasmakarburiseerimine

Plasmakarburiseerimine, also known as plasma nitriding or ion nitriding, is a surface hardening process used to improve the wear resistance and fatigue strength of metal components. This thermochemical treatment involves introducing nitrogen into the surface layer of a steel or alloy part. The process takes place in a vacuum chamber where a low-pressure plasma is generated. This plasma, consisting of ionized gas and neutral gas species, bombards the surface of the workpiece, which is heated to a controlled temperature, typically between 400 and 550 degrees Celsius.

During plasmakarburiseerimine, nitrogen atoms from the plasma diffuse into the metal's crystal lattice. This diffusion creates a hardened surface layer, often referred to as the compound layer and the diffusion zone. The compound layer is rich in nitrides and provides excellent wear resistance. The diffusion zone, located beneath the compound layer, enhances the fatigue strength of the component by introducing compressive residual stresses.

The main advantages of plasmakarburiseerimine include its precise control over the case depth and surface hardness, its ability to treat complex geometries uniformly, and its environmentally friendly nature due to the minimal use of hazardous chemicals. It is widely applied in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and tool manufacturing for components like gears, crankshafts, molds, and cutting tools. The process can also be combined with other surface treatments to achieve specific properties.