Gas Nitriding Comparison of Austenitic and Martensitic Stainless Steels

Abstract

The heat treatment method of gas nitriding is proving to be a viable option as a low temperature case hardening process for a variety of stainless steels used in numerous applications. A comparison between an austenitic stainless steel, grade 304, and a martensitic stainless steel, grade 410 in the hardened and non-hardened conditions is used to show the differences in properties obtained as a result of gas nitride process adjustments. The achieved properties, compound layer thickness, hardness, and porosity level along with the measured depth of hardening, can be used to determine which material will be the best option depending on the application.