Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Nitride Finishings

I am interested in finding a low cost method of Nitriding Parts for Oilfield use. I need a nice polished finish. Most of my parts are finished size as I send them off to get them Nitrided now. So there can be no Vacu Blasting of the parts and the finish that we put on them has to be pretty much the same once we get it back. Most of these items are a lapped finish when I send them off, I know I am asking a miracle to get them back in that shape but I would like to be able to throw them on the Lapping Table for a few minutes then onto my Customers or the Shelf for stock. Can anyone help me with this problem? I am paying roughly $1.00 to $1.25 a pound right now and really would like to try to stay in that range, but if I can get the finish I am looking for, which would save me time and labor to clean and lap, I am willing to spend a bit more.Also, the finish must stay black as most of my customers are familiar with the black finish and will not believe it is Nitrided if the parts are not black. Let me know guys.

Thanks,

Bruce Maness
- Norman, Oklahoma, United States
2003

Have you checked plasma nitriding? It will be more expensive but will produce a cleaner and nicer surface (certainly not black but light gray instead). Automotive industry is switching to it for the same reasons you mention. Also it is totally clean for the environment.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2003