Use of cathodic cage in plasma nitriding

Cylindrical samples of 1020 steel and 316 stainless steel were nitrided under the conditions by conventional dc plasma nitriding (DCPN) and by a new technique denominate cathodic cage plasma nitriding (CCPN). The 1020 and 316 stainless steel samples were treated during 3 h and 5 h, respectively, in 773 K and 360 Pa. The samples were characterized by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and microhardness testing. All the samples nitrided by DCPN process presented erosion rings on the surface exposed to the plasma. In comparison, in samples nitrided by CCPN, the erosion rings were completely eliminated, without loss of the mechanical properties in the different phases of existence in the nitrided layer. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.