Nitriding is a thermochemical treatment in which surface enrichment with nitrogen is promoted, applying it in a nitrogenous environment at a certain temperature, where the aim is to increase the hardness of the steel to a certain depth.

Indicated for parts that require high stress against abrasive wear, this treatment reduces the coefficient of friction and increases the surface hardness of the part which, depending in the alloying elements of the steel, provide a ceramic hardness. Helps to demould plastics, aluminum and zamak.

Widely used in machine components and cutting tools such as drills, knives and taps, in addition to being used in combustion engine valves.

The aim is to diffuse the nitrogen, for this a body centered cubic is best for diffusion, so temperatures below 720°C are ideal. Nitriding has less warping compared to carburizing, however, the layer is much thinner, reaching 0.3µm for gas nitriding and 0.15µm for plasma nitriding. With nitriding, the hardness can reach 1400HV.