Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does Nitreg® nitriding change my parts' dimensions in any way?
A. Nitreg® nitriding itself will typically only add 2 to 3 microns worth of white layer to the surface of your part. Any larger dimensional changes to a component are induced by released internal stresses captured in the part from machining, forging, cold working…..
Following proper machining practices and including intermediate stress relief operations will save your components from any distortions caused by the elevated temperatures.

Q. I have a wear issue and have no experience with Nitreg® nitriding. How do I determine what I need in terms of nitride properties?
A. Our highly trained Product and Process Specialists will assist you in determining what is optimal for your situation. In most cases we can recommend not just Nitreg® nitriding specification but as well determine if you are indeed using a suitable material for your application.

Q. What is this “White Layer” and should I be removing it?
A. The “White Layer” otherwise regarded as the compound layer is a highly saturated nitrogen enriched layer. This layer is formed from the Nitreg® nitride process and is what gives your component a high level of wear resistance and hardness at the surface. This layer should never be removed.

Q. What is the difference between TCD and ECD?
A. These two methods of case depth evaluation are typically used to define case depths of alloy and tool steel grades in which a significant case hardness profile exists and a functional hardness at depth may be required or specified.
Total Case Depth (TCD) is defined as the depth at which the case hardness is equivalent to 50 Vickers points (typically) above the core hardness of the material. Effective Case Depth (ECD) is defined as a depth at which a minimum specified hardness value is achieved. The nitrided case (or diffusion zone) may also be optically measured after chemical etching. This method is more suitable for lower alloy materials or hardness gradients not readily discernable by hardness traverse methods such as low carbon, HSLA or stainless steels.

Q. I have been told I need to supply a piece of the same material (coupon) with my order. Why?
A. It is imperative that we receive a piece of material representing the material being processed. This allows us to ensure that your product has met the specification you have outlined prior to processing

Q. What is the typical turnaround time for my components?
A. Turnaround time may vary depending on specification. Standard Nitreg® turnaround 3-5 days and Nitreg®+ONC is 5-7 days.

Q. What are your office and receiving hours?
A. Office hours are from 8:00AM till 5:00PM Monday thru Friday. Receiving is from 6:00AM till 10:00PM Monday thru Friday.

Q. I have some more traditional heat treat requirements (induction, normalize, annealing, Quench & Temper…etc.) can you help me?
A. We would be more than happy to review any heat treat requirement you may have. We can determine whether or not NMT or our sister company H&S will be able to cater to your needs.

Q. I have some fairly dirty components. Will this affect the quality of the nitride in anyway?
A. All components must be thoroughly cleaned prior to processing. Any residual product left on the component can not only impede nitrogen diffusion into your material but also interfere with our control systems and filters. We do offer a light glass bead cleaning service for customers that cannot clean the parts at their location. (charged hourly).

Q. I have a failed component from another supplier, I think its may be material related. Would you be able to assist me determining the actual failure mode and possible solutions?
A. Absolutely, our highly trained lab staff and on site PhD metallurgist are always busy working with our process and product development teams to determine how our processes can give your product the properties it requires for optimal performance.

Q. Is there any risk of thermal shock to my components from the Nitreg® process?
A. We take extreme care in heat-up and cool-down to ramp the temperature of the components very gradually. Product is always held under protective atmosphere to ensure product does not develop unwanted oxidization.

Q. What kind of traceability do you maintain of my components?
A. Every lot you send is given a unique NMT reference number. These reference numbers are cross-referenced with all information and metallurgical data about that process. This is available to you at anytime.

Q. My customer's components performed so well that they have sent me a repeat order. What information do you need from me?
A. If you are able to supply us with the NMT reference # from the initial order with your P.O. we are able to simply load up that process from our library and replicate the exact parameters.