Plasma diffusion

Collective term for processes in which a metal surface is given a finish at an increased temperature by diffusion of non-metal atoms by means of plasma. Examples for major applications: plasma nitriding, plasma nitrocarburising, plasma carburising and plasma carbonitriding. The nitride or carbide phases forming at the surface have a thickness of a few µm and are much harder than the untreated metal. Also the underlying diffusion coat, which can have a thickness of several 100 µm, is harder than the base material.