Abstract
This paper investigates the effects of process time and temperature during plasma nitriding on the wear and fatigue properties of AISI 4330 steels. Nitriding, a thermochemical treatment involving nitrogen deposition and diffusion into metallic materials, has been widely used to enhance surface properties, wear resistance, fatigue strength, corrosion resistance, and friction characteristics of dynamically loaded components. The plasma nitriding process is conducted in a vacuum chamber where the specimen acts as a cathode, with high voltage (300-1000 V) applied between the cathode and the vessel (anode) at gas pressures of 1-13 mbar, creating an abnormal glow discharge that envelops the specimen. The process typically begins with hydrogen-atmosphere cleaning and pre-heating, followed by nitrogen introduction to initiate and maintain the nitriding action. Performance improvements were evaluated using pin-on-disk wear testing and rotating and bending fatigue testing methodologies.
