04-11-2021, 07:16 PM
Krys, you are much more generous to that one who is hArp-ing so loudly... (note: when your point is weak, shout loud to cover up for it!!).
While I am not expert on how small of a metal part might/might not have problems (and respect the decisions you've made on that), the nitriding process, metallurgically, only goes about 50 millionths of an inch deep (50 microns) and results in a chemical infusion into the surface layers, without changing the dimensions of the steel. The heat treatment, temperatures, soaks, and process would have more to do IMO on a part's brittleness, as well as if there is any pre-existing flaw in the surface. This type of info - on brittle fracture/behavior of steels - is a fairly common topic in my industry. By pre-existing flaw I mean any scratch or crack type of flaw on the surface of the steel. That is where brittle fractures begin; it is much more difficult to induce a brittle failure in the absence of a surface flaw... which would speak therefore to the inspections and quality of their QC, again, more than of any nitriding itself.
While I am not expert on how small of a metal part might/might not have problems (and respect the decisions you've made on that), the nitriding process, metallurgically, only goes about 50 millionths of an inch deep (50 microns) and results in a chemical infusion into the surface layers, without changing the dimensions of the steel. The heat treatment, temperatures, soaks, and process would have more to do IMO on a part's brittleness, as well as if there is any pre-existing flaw in the surface. This type of info - on brittle fracture/behavior of steels - is a fairly common topic in my industry. By pre-existing flaw I mean any scratch or crack type of flaw on the surface of the steel. That is where brittle fractures begin; it is much more difficult to induce a brittle failure in the absence of a surface flaw... which would speak therefore to the inspections and quality of their QC, again, more than of any nitriding itself.