The nitriding heat treatment consists in bringing the pieces to a temperature of about 500° C, lower than other heat treatments, but for a longer time, in order to introduce atomic nitrogen. The nitrogen is absorbed by the surface metal ferrite and forms very hard nitrides that distort the crystal lattice. Even if the thickness of the hardened layer is less than that obtained with cementation, its hardness is very high and no further treatments are necessary. Furthermore, finished parts can be nitrided because the process, which takes place at a lower temperature, causes minimal tensions, deformations and surface alterations.
DEMM is equipped with a pit-type furnace system.