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THERMI®-SNT

THE STAINLESS STEEL PROCESSING SOLUTION

THERMI®-SNT is a high-temperature (>1000°C ) nitrogen diffusion thermochemical treatment that increases the surface hardness of stainless steels without compromising their corrosion resistance.

At high temperatures, the solubility range of nitrogen in austenite is more or less wide, favoring treatment depths of the order of 0.1 mm to 1 millimeter.

Treatment conditions are chosen to avoid nitride precipitation, in order to maintain corrosion resistance.

The quenching treatment that follows this diffusion stage preserves corrosion resistance and, in the case of martensitic steels, hardens the part's core (with a level of hardening that varies according to the steel grade).

Surface hardnesses range from 450 to 750HV , depending on the material.

Our process

Stainless steels require very precise processing to guarantee wear- and corrosion-resistant parts.

Vacuum treatment

The process uses vacuum technology. For each steel grade, a thermodynamic phase stability calculation is used to determine the main treatment parameters (partial pressure, temperature and duration). This vacuum technology fully complies with environmental requirements.

Nitrogen diffusion

Nitrogen injection flow and pressure are perfectly controlled to guarantee highly reproducible results.

Parts can be processed in bulk or positioned according to their morphology. Very complex geometries can be processed, such as bores, blind holes, etc. The THERMI®-SNT process achieves very homogeneous processing depths.

Treated materials

THERMI®-SNT can be used to treat stainless steels, including :

- Martensitic stainless steels

- Ferritic stainless steels type X6CrMoS17 / 1.4105IL

- Austenitic-ferritic stainless steels (Duplex)

For austenitic stainless steels, we recommend our specific THERMI®-SP process.

    Features and benefits

    THERMI®-SNT is a treatment specially developed for stainless steel, increasing hardness without compromising corrosion resistance.

    Seizure resistance

    Improved seizure resistance. Hardening promotes gliding by reducing the propensity for sticking.

    Wear resistance

    THERMI®-SNT increases surface hardness, improving the wear resistance of the part.

    corrosion resistance

    Preservation of corrosion resistance. As this is a diffusion treatment, there is no spalling.

    mechanical strength

    Increased mechanical strength and fatigue life (martensitic hardening). Heat resistance thanks to high surface nitrogen content

    For study and order

    Information to be communicated :

    Material designation (according to international standard) or chemical composition.

    Drawings, diagrams or photos of rooms clearly showing :

    - Part dimensions

    - Functional zones

    - Areas to be controlled

    - Target hardness or diffusion layer depth

    - Imperative temperature not to be exceeded or heat treatment carried out beforehand (in particular tempering temperature)

    - Part shaping and surface finishing methods

    Ask for a quote

    business sectors concerned

    Our various documentations

    Heat treatment white paper

    Our THERMI®-SNT heat treatment

    See all our documentation

    Our FAQs

    What is vacuum deposition?

    Vacuum deposition is a surface treatment used to deposit a material or alloy on a mechanical part.

    The use of vacuum technology ensures a perfectly clean, non-polluting process.

    It is not subject to REACH legislation.

    What are the advantages of PVD technology?

    This process greatly increases resistance to wear, abrasion, friction and corrosion. As a result, component life is greatly extended.

    Standard thicknesses are of the order of 3µm and deposition is carried out on finished parts.

    What's the difference between PVD and PACVD?

    PVD is physical vapor deposition. The element to be deposited is obtained by evaporation or sputtering via a physical process. PACVD is plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition. The element to be deposited is obtained from chemical reactions. Plasma enables this chemical reaction to take place at lower temperatures.

    What are the industrial applications of vacuum deposition?

    Vacuum deposits are classified into several categories: anti-wear, friction, decorative and biocompatibility. The applications are therefore very varied: automotive components, aerospace, tooling, cutting tools, medical devices, decorative parts...

    How do I choose the right deposit method?

    The deposition method depends above all on the nature of the coating to be deposited and the substrate.

    If the substrate cannot be heated to high temperature, the deposition must be carried out using low-temperature technology.

    If the coating to be deposited consists of a solid element (metal or graphite target), a physical process such as PVD is used. If the coating consists of a gas or liquid, a chemical process such as CVD or PACVD is used.

    What is the purpose of case-hardening? 

    Incorporate carbon below the surface of the steel part to improve fatigue and wear resistance on the surface, while maintaining good core mechanical properties.

    See all FAQs

    Do you have a question or a need?

    To find out more about stainless steel processing, please contact us.

    Contact us

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