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"Nitiding 316 Valve Shafts"

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2003

Are there any detrimental effects in nitriding 316 s/s valve shafts for anti-galling characteristics? Will corrosion resistance be hampered in anyway, shape or form?

Thanks so much!

Gary Cook
- Shresbury, Massachusetts

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2003

Yes, Gary, it will- to the extent that your nitrided 316 may fail a simple humidity test. The nitrogen combines with the chromium in the surface to form the white layer, which sensitizes the stainless steel surface.

Both CarTech and Latrobe offer grades of stainless steel that can be carburized without losing corrosion resistance- you might consider those.

Lee Gearhart
metallurgist - E. Aurora, New York