Ferritic nitrocarburising

Ferritic nitrocarburising is carried out at 550/580°C. Treatment consists of heating the component in an environment consisting of around 50% endothermic gas and 50% ammonia, such that the epsilon phase is produced at the component surface as a compound layer. This phase has a hexagonal close packed crystal structurewhich imparts very good tribological (sliding wear resistance) properties. The core remains ferritic.