DC53 can be Nitrided using a variety of methods. Fluidized Bed, Ion, and Salt Bath all work. Fluidized Bed and Ion Nitride work best if PVD coatings are to be applied as a top coat. Be sure to lightly polish after nitriding to remove any surface contamination prior to PVD coating. Salt Bath works best when not applying a top coat.
The key is to keep the Nitride case depth below .003" and ideally around .001". The heat treat process should utilize the recommended double temper of 1,004 F to achieve 60-62 HRC to insure a high enough temper resistance while Nitriding and yet maintain enough substrate hardness and strength for the thread roll application.
DC53 is a wonderful steel for the thread rolling industry. Nitride is a dinosaur process though, I would encourage you to look into PST surface treatment from Philos Technologies which has proven to provide results far better than any other process. Philos has developed a breakthrough technology and are able to diffuse titanium INTO the surface of the tool which gives tremendous wear and sticking resistance.
Nitriding DC53
Posted - 01/14/2010 : 11:16:37 AM
