Blog Archives

History of Ion Nitriding

The history of ion nitriding dates back to its birth in 1932. A German physicist, Dr. Wehnheldt, was the first to develop ion nitriding; however, he was unable to control the glow discharge. By teaming up with the Swiss physicist, Dr. Bernhard Berghaus, they were able to develop ion nitriding into a usable, stabilized process. After WWII, electronics, plus the need for more superior metallurgical properties, contributed to increased popularity of ion nitriding among American industrialists. Dr. Claude Jones, Dr. Derek Sturges, and Stuart Martin helped advance ion nitriding in America by applying the process to a variety of parts as well as building the first ion nitrider in the U.S. As success stories filtered through American industry during the 1980’s, ion nitriding became a respected, preferred process for many manufacturers. Today, ion nitriding remains a favored heat treating process, and it continues to develop as the industry pushes for even more efficient, economical and environmentally safe heat treating process.

When and Why Ion Nitriding/Nitrocarburizing Makes Good Sense

When and Why Ion Nitriding/Nitrocarburizing Makes Good Sense

Advanced Heat Treat staff Dr. Edward Roliński and Gary Sharp authored this article from Industrial Heating magazine, August 11, 2005:

     “Ion nitriding can be used in many applications, but some are so unique that they can be called “the best” applications, where the competitive treatments such as salt bath and gas nitriding cannot easily duplicate the unique results of ion nitriding.

Ion, or plasma, nitriding has been studied and used industrially for more than 40 years [1-8], but the technology has not been used to its full potential. Ion nitriding/nitrocarburizing is a low temperature (800-1100˚F, or 430-595˚C) process, which results in little or no distortion of the treated parts even if significant residual compressive stress is induced to the surface layer of the treated products. The ion nitriding process also has been referred to by other surface treating characteristics including plasma, vacuum, diffusion, low nitriding potential, passive surfaces activating, easy-to-control structure and pollution-free processes. These process characteristics with the exception of the low nitriding potential concept are discussed in the literature.”

Click here to read the entire article:

http://www.industrialheating.com/Articles/Feature_Article/f022e50797cb7010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0

Learn more about the authors here www.ahtweb.com

Nitriding and Nitrocarburizing

Nitriding and Nitrocarburizing are performed at lower temperatures than conventional heat treatments, which minimizes distortion.
These heat treatments improve wear resistance, fatigue strength, and corrosion resistance.

Nitriding/Nitrocarburizing Types:

  • Ion Nitriding (Plasma Nitriding / Nitrocarburizing)
  • Gas Nitriding (Gaseous Nitrocarburizing)
  • Salt-Bath Nitriding (Liquid)

Photo of Ion Nitriding:

For more information on these heat treatments, visit www.ahtweb.com

Honda To Expand Production Of Light Trucks, Engines At Alabama Plant

Honda To Expand Production Of Light Trucks, Engines At Alabama Plant.

Bloomberg News (11/15, Ohnsman) reports, “Honda Motor Co., Japan’s third- largest automaker, will spend $84 million and hire 100 more workers to expand production of light trucks and engines at its assembly plant in Alabama.” In a statement, Honda said that “the investment will boost annual capacity for the Lincoln, Alabama, plant to 340,000 vehicles and engines by 2013 from 300,000 now.” Bloomberg News notes, “Asian automakers including Honda are expanding output capacity in North America as US sales recover from a recession in 2008 and 2009. Demand for new cars and trucks grew 10 percent this year through October, and most companies and analysts are forecasting total sales of 12.5 million to 13 million vehicles in 2011.”

The AP (11/15) reports, “The $1.5 billion plant began production with the Odyssey minivan. The plant employs about 4,000 people and is the sole North American producer of the Odyssey, the Pilot SUV and the Ridgeline pickup.”

The Birmingham Business Journal (11/15, Poe, Subscription Publication) reports, “The latest investment, which brings Honda’s total investment this year up to $275 million and 140 jobs, is tied to the addition of the Acura MDX luxury SUV to the plant’s production lineup, the company said.”

On its website, WLTZ-TV Columbus, GA (11/15) notes, “In 2013, the Lincoln plant will start making the luxury Acura MDX sport utility vehicle.”

Also covering the story are the Anniston Star (11/15, McCreless), WVTM-TV Birmingham, AL (11/15, Jackson) and other media sources.

Read the article here: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-11-16/honda-expanding-alabama-plant-to-lift-light-truck-engine-output.html

Did you know Advanced Heat Treat Corp. has a location in Alabama?

The Cullman Facility is located at: 1545 County Rd. 222 Cullman, AL 35057 and specializes in heat treat services such as: Ion Nitriding, Ferritic Carburizing, Stress Relieve, Oxidation Treatment, Duplex Hardening, Assembly, Cleaning Applications, Metallurgical Services & Consultation, Tempering/Drawing, Polishing, and Failure Analysis.