Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for the fabrication of press plates hardened by the use of plasma ion nitriding techniques to produce wear resistant decorative laminate containing alumina grit while improving associated press plate useful life. The application of this process to press plates having exacting final microfinish requirements is possible due to the determination of interdependancies between parameter settings and expected results. These interdependancies include the work piece geometry, surface and subsurface structure and desired results, process temperatures, pressures, and duration of heat-up time, thermal loading, reflective radiation and heat effects, cooling systems, and gas mixture composition.

Abstract: A press plate hardened by the use of plasma ion nitriding techniques produces wear resistant decorative laminate containing hard abrasive particles while improving associated press plate useful life. The press plate has exacting final microfinish requirements made possible due to the determination of interdependencies between parameter settings and expected results. These interdependencies include the work piece geometry, surface and subsurface structure and desired results, process temperatures, pressures, and rate of heat-up and duration of heat-up time, thermal loading, reflective radiation and heat effects, cooling systems, and gas mixture composition.

Abstract: A device for coating a metal or alloy layer onto an electrically conducting workpiece comprises a low pressure chamber having a workpiece support platform mounted therein. An ion producer is connected to the chamber and adapted to receive an ionized carrier gas and spender medium. An electrode of first polarity is connected to the chamber and ion producer. An electrode of opposite polarity is connected to the support platform. Arc discharge means extend into the chamber and a turbulence chamber communicates with the low pressure chamber for creating turbulence in the carrier gas.

Abstract: A process for depositing a metal or alloy layer on an electrically conductive work piece by means of a glow discharge. The work piece is inserted as one electrode of an electric field in a low-pressure chamber charged with a preionized carrier gas and coating material or spender medium. An arc discharge is utilized for explosively spattering the spender medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for hardening a workpiece of steel, according to which the wpiece is heated, for instance in a furnace, to austenitizing temperature and is carburized by a pressurized mixture of purified air and propane surrounding the workpiece, whereupon the workpiece is quenched in a cooling region.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for hardening a workpiece of steel, according to hich the workpiece is heated, for instance in a furnace, to austenitizing temperature and is carburized by a pressurized mixture of purified air and propane surrounding the workpiece, whereupon the workpiece is quenched in a cooling region.