A sophisticated process has been developed in which a preset value of the
nitriding potential is monitored and maintained, taking into account varying compositions
of the nitriding atmosphere. The NITREG process utilizes the NITREX control system which
is fully computerized and automated. To initiate and execute processing, the operator simply
selects a process from a library installed in the software package. From the moment the start
button is pressed, the process requires no human intervention.
The process may comprise up to four seperate stages, each with a different set of parameters. All stages are executed in an automatic sequence. During any of the nitriding stages, the value of the nitriding potential is preset and maintained by a process computer. An analyzer monitors the actual Np and compares it with the preset value.
The control system is moreover fitted with software which allows the process to shut down safely in case of a power outage or other failure modes, and re-start, counting time from the exact moment the process was interrupted.
