Nitrocarburizing for wear, corrosion, and fatigue

Demands for higher strength and corrosion resistance at higher temperatures cannot always be met by advanced materials and designs alone. In many cases, surface engineering can provide required properties and extend service life. A thermochemical surface engineering treatment has been developed that improves the dynamic strength of parts and overcomes many corrosion and wear problems. Known as Melonite, the process was developed by Durferrite GmbH Thermotechnik, and is used to enhance the surface properties of steel and iron parts. The quench, quench-polish, and quench-polish-quench salt bath nitrocarburizing system can provide surface layers with a range of beneficial properties. This article will discuss details of the Melonite process, component properties after treatment, the effects of raising or lowering treatment temperatures, and environmental impact.