Abstract: A method of forming a bearing cage is generally disclosed herein. The method includes (i) forming a bearing cage from either titanium or a titanium alloy; and (ii) applying a plasma-nitriding treatment to at least one surface of the bearing cage to form a compound layer of titanium nitride including TiN and Ti2N on an outer region of the at least one surface. Step (ii) further forms a diffusion zone adjacent to the outer region, in one aspect. A surface hardness of the bearing cage that is treated by the plasma-nitriding step is at least 1000 HV. The bearing cage is configured to be used in a turbofan, turboprop, or turboshaft engine or in a helicopter gearbox, in one aspect.

Abstract: A hard coating includes a three kinds of layers that are alternately laminated. The three kinds of layers consist of a single composition layer and two kinds of nanolayer-alternated layers. The single composition layer is constituted by one of an A composition (nitride of AlCrSi?), a B composition (nitride of AlTiSi?) and a C composition (nitride of AlCr(SiC)?). The two kinds of nanolayer-alternated layers include nanolayers which are alternately laminated and which are constituted by two of three combinations consisting of a combination of the A composition and B composition, a combination of the A composition and C composition and a combination of the B composition and C composition. The single composition layer has a thickness of 0.5-1000 nm. Each of the nanolayers constituting the two kinds of nanolayer-alternated layers has a thickness of 0.5-500 nm, and each of the two kinds of nanolayer-alternated layers has a thickness of 1-1000 nm.

Abstract: A method of preparing a metal nitride includes the steps of: a) subjecting a metal precursor to plasma treatment to form the metal nitride, the metal precursor including a transition metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, cobalt, iron and molybdenum; and b) cooling down the metal nitride after the step a). An electrocatalyst including the metal nitride and a method of conducting water hydrolysis by using an electrocatalyst comprising the metal nitride is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for treating steel, along with the resulting treated steel, are provided. The method may comprise: nitriding a carburized Ferrium steel component such that the Ferrium steel component has a surface portion with a nitrogen content that is greater than 0% to about 5% by weight. Nitriding the Ferrium steel component may increase the surface hardness of the Ferrium steel. The surface portion may have a nitrogen content of about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight.

Abstract: A protective coating layer, an electronic device including such a protective coating layer, and the methods of making the same are provided. The electronic device includes a substrate, a thin film circuit layer disposed over the substrate, and a protective coating layer disposed over the thin film circuit layer. The protective coating layer includes a first coating and a second coating disposed over the first coating. Each coating has a cross-plane thermal conductivity in a direction normal to a respective coating surface equal to or higher than 0.5 W/(m*K). The first coating and the second coating have different crystal structures, or different crystalline orientations, or different compositions, or a combination thereof to provide different nanoindentation hardness. The first coating has a hardness lower than that of the second coating.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus for performing a plasma process on a workpiece inside a processing container by radiating microwaves from an antenna into the processing container through a top plate of the processing container to generate plasma, which includes: a pressing member having grooves formed in a surface facing the top plate, and configured to press the antenna against the top plate; and elastic members respectively disposed in the grooves and deformed while being sandwiched between the pressing member and the antenna, and configured to apply a pressing force to the antenna toward the processing container. The grooves and the elastic members are respectively provided in concentric annular regions each having a center coinciding with a predetermined axis perpendicular to the top plate, and the elastic members are disposed only in a portion of the annular regions.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for thermochemically hardening workpieces is provided incorporating the following steps, carried out in a variable sequence: one or more carburizing steps, each in a carbon-containing gas atmosphere at a pressure of less than 50 mbar, the workpieces being held at temperatures of 900 to 1050° C.; if appropriate, one or more diffusion steps, each in a gas atmosphere at a pressure of less than 100 mbar; and one or more nitriding steps, each in a nitrogen-containing discharge plasma at a pressure of less than 50 mbar, the workpieces being held at temperatures of 800 to 1050° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manufacturing method of an iron-based alloy medical apparatus, comprising: nitriding the iron-based alloy preformed unit at 350-550° C. for 30-100 minutes; and ion etching the iron-based alloy preformed unit with an ion etching time of 80-110% of the nitriding time. Ion nitriding and ion etching can be performed in situ in the same equipment using this manufacture method with high production efficiency, and in the ion nitriding and ion etching process, nitrogen atoms continuously permeate the preformed unit, making the time it takes for the medical apparatus to be absorbed by the human body and both the hardness and strength of the instrument surface achieve requirements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for method for formation of expanded austenite and/or expanded martensite by solution hardening of a cold deformed workpiece of a passive alloy, which method comprises a first step of dissolving at least nitrogen in the workpiece at a temperature T1, which is higher than the solubility temperature for carbide and/or nitride and lower than the melting point of the passive alloy, and a subsequent second step of dissolving nitrogen and/or carbon in the work piece at a temperature T2, which is lower than the temperature at which carbides and/or nitrides form in the passive alloy. The invention further relates to a member, such as a lock washer for securing bolts or nuts prepared using the method.

Abstract: A camera module (1) which includes a lens (3); a spring member (9a, 9b) which elastically urges the lens (3) toward an initial position along an optical axis direction; an electromagnetic drive means (11) capable of driving the lens (3) along the optical axis direction by producing an electromagnetic force against an urging force of the spring member (9a, 9b); and a control means (12) configured to control a drive current supplied to the electromagnetic drive means (11), wherein the spring member (pa, 9b) contains 2.9% to 3.5% by mass of Ti, with the balance being copper and inevitable impurities, and has a Vickers hardness equal to or greater than 350.

Abstract: Machinery and process are disclosed for laser welding. A beam is generated and focused on a discrete work surface, with a distinctive nozzle provided for delivering plasma suppression gas toward the surface. The nozzle has first and second inlets for receiving first and second sources of different plasma suppression gases, respectively. The nozzle has first and second outlets in fluid communication with the first and second inlets, respectively, together directing an externally mixed stream of the gases from the nozzle at an angle of incidence of 35 degrees to 50 degrees relative to the surface to impinge upon the generated plasma. The impinging stream intersects the beam at or above the surface, as the mixed gases are deflected across the beam. The invention saves on helium costs and demonstrably increases weld penetration.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method of making porous nitrogenized titanium coated substrates. The process includes depositing titanium on a substrate using a glancing angle deposition (GLAD) process and then nitrogenizing the deposited titanium using a thermal or plasma-assisted thermal gaseous nitrogenizing process.

Abstract: A method for method for solution hardening of a cold deformed workpiece of a passive alloy containing at least 10% chromium, which method includes dissolving at least nitrogen in the workpiece at a temperature T1, which is higher than the solubility temperature for carbide and/or nitride and lower than the melting point of the passive alloy, wherein dissolution of nitrogen at temperature T1 is performed to obtain a diffusion depth in the range of 50 ?m to 5 mm, and cooling the workpiece after the dissolution step at temperature T1 to a temperature which is lower than the temperature at which carbides and/or nitrides form in the passive alloy, wherein the cooling step takes place in an inert gas not containing nitrogen. Further, a member, such as a lock washer for securing bolts or nuts prepared using the method.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a reinforced alloy comprising a metallic matrix, dispersed in the volume of which are nanoparticles, at least 80% of which have a mean size from 1 nm to 50 nm, the nanoparticles comprising at least one nitride chosen from the nitrides of at least one metallic element M belonging to the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf and Ta. The process comprises the following successive steps: a) plasma nitriding of a base alloy is carried out at a temperature from 200° C. to 700° C. in order to insert interstitial nitrogen therein, the base alloy incorporating 0.1% to 1% by weight of the metallic element M and being chosen from an austenitic, ferritic, ferritic-martensitic or nickel-based alloy; b) the interstitial nitrogen is diffused within the base alloy at a temperature of 350° C. to 650° C.; and c) the nitride is precipitated at a temperature from 600° C. to 900° C. over a duration of 10 minutes to 10 hours, in order to form the nanoparticles dispersed in the reinforced alloy.

Abstract: A cutting tool insert for machining by chip removal includes a body of a hard alloy of cemented carbide, cermet, ceramics, cubic boron nitride based material or high speed steel, onto which a hard and wear resistant coating is deposited. The coating includes at least one polycrystalline nanolaminated structure having sequences of alternating A and B layers, wherein layer A is (Alx1Me11-x1)Ny1 with 0.3<x1<0.95, 0.9<y1<1.1 and Me1 is one or more of the elements Ti, Y, V, Nb, Mo, Si and W, or Me1 is Ti and one or more of the following elements Y, V, Nb, Mo, Si, Cr and W, and layer B is (Zr1-x2-z2Six2Me2z2)Ny2 with 0<x2<0.30, 0.90<y2 <1.20, 0<z2<0.25 and Me2 is one or more of the elements Y, Ti, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W and Al.

Abstract: A stainless steel separator for fuel cells and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The method includes preparing a stainless steel sheet as a matrix, performing surface modification on a surface of the stainless steel sheet to form a Cr-rich passive film having a comparatively increased amount of Cr in a superficial layer of the stainless steel sheet by decreasing an amount of Fe in the superficial layer of the stainless steel sheet, and forming a coating layer on the surface of the surface-modified stainless steel sheet. The coating layer is one selected from a metal nitride layer (MNx), a metal/metal nitride layer (M/MNx), a metal carbide layer (MCy), and a metal boride layer (MBz) (where 0.5?x?1, 0.42?y?1, 0.5?z?2).

Abstract: A method for producing a wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant stainless steel part for a nuclear reactor is provided. This method includes steps of providing a tubular blank in austenitic stainless steel whose carbon content is equal to or lower than 0.03% by weight; shaping the blank; finishing the blank to form the cladding; hardening the outer surface of the cladding by diffusing one or more atomic species; the blank, before the providing step or during the shaping or finishing step, being subjected to at least one solution annealing with sub-steps of: heating the blank to a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to solubilise any precipitates present; quenching the blank at a rate allowing the austenitic structure to be maintained in a metastable state at ambient temperature and free of precipitates.

Abstract: A method and system for die compensation and restoration uses high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) thermal spray coating and plasma ion nitriding to compensate for a particular part (damaged part) of a press die that causes formation of fine curves at a door of a vehicle to restore it to its original state. A coating thickness quantification technique may precisely compensate for the damaged part of the die that causes formation of the fine curves at the door of the vehicle in a circular form using HVOF thermal spray coating. A surface of the die may be nitrided using plasma ion nitriding after HVOF thermal spray coating is performed, so as to harden the surface of the die so that wear resistance and fatigue resistance of the die can be greatly improved and the hardfacing or overlay welding efficiency of the die can be increased.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma nitriding surface treatment method for a gray cast iron part. In the plasma nitriding surface treatment method, a nitride layer is formed on a surface of the gray cast iron part by a selective ion nitriding treatment. The plasma nitriding surface treatment method is carried out such that the surface of the gray cast iron part is prevented from being deformed, and a reduction of the frictional coefficient of the part is prevented.

Abstract: There is provided an aluminum surface treatment process, comprising: preparing an aluminum material containing silicon and magnesium; and plasma nitriding the aluminum material to form an aluminum nitride region on a surface of the aluminum material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tubular elements, such as fuel assembly tubes, which are designed to be used in high pressure and high temperature water in nuclear reactors, such as pressurized water nuclear reactors. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of improving wear resistance and corrosion resistance by depositing a protective coating having a depth of from about 5 to about 25 ?m on the surface of the tubular elements. The coating is provided by nitriding the tubular element at a temperature of from about 400° C. to about 440° C. The nitridation of the tubular element can be carried out for a duration of from about 12 hours to about 40 hours.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a reinforced alloy comprising a metallic matrix, dispersed in the volume of which are nanoparticles, at least 80% of which have a mean size from 1 nm to 50 nm, the nanoparticles comprising at least one nitride chosen from the nitrides of at least one metallic element M belonging to the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf and Ta. The process comprises the following successive steps: a) plasma nitriding of a base alloy is carried out at a temperature from 200° C. to 700° C. in order to insert interstitial nitrogen therein, the base alloy incorporating 0.1% to 1% by weight of the metallic element M and being chosen from an austenitic, ferritic, ferritic-martensitic or nickel-based alloy; b) the interstitial nitrogen is diffused within the base alloy at a temperature of 350° C. to 650° C.; and c) the nitride is precipitated at a temperature from 600° C. to 900° C. over a duration of 10 minutes to 10 hours, in order to form the nanoparticles dispersed in the reinforced alloy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component for processing plastic, the surface of said component being modified. The surface base material is steel, and according to the invention nitrogen is preferably diffused into the steel to a thickness of 400 ?m, thus forming a diffusion layer. The surface comprises a smoothed covering layer that substantially contains nitrogen-iron compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a magnetic substrate for an encoder scale. The method comprising the step of mechanically working the substrate, wherein the substrate is cooled prior to the mechanical working step. In one embodiment, a stainless steel substrate is used. The stainless steel may comprise an austenite (non-magnetic) phase and a martensite (magnetic) phase. Mechanically working and cooling in this manner increases the amount of magnetic (martensite) phase material that is formed, thereby improving the magnetic contrast when non-magnetic (austenite) marking are subsequently formed on the substrate by laser marking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of modifying a surface characteristic (e.g., wear resistance and/or corrosion resistance) of a cobalt-chromium based alloy article. The method comprises plasma treating the article at a temperature in the range of from 300° C. to 700° C. and at a pressure of from 100 Pa to 1500 Pa for 1 hour to 50 hours in an atmosphere comprising at least one carbon-containing gas, whereby to introduce carbon into a surface region of said article. The present invention also resides in a surface-hardened cobalt-chromium based article producible by the method of the invention. The article is characterised by having a surface region comprising a supersaturated solid solution of carbon in cobalt or a surface region comprising a supersaturated solid solution of carbon in cobalt and chromium carbides. Surface hardened articles producible by the method of the invention include medical implants and engineering components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screw having a head, an adjoining retaining section and a functional tip for use as a self-tapping screw. The functional tip is of greater hardness than the retaining section. The entire screw is made of hardened low-alloy carbon steel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma nitriding surface treatment method for a gray cast iron part. In the plasma nitriding surface treatment method, a nitride layer is formed on a surface of the gray cast iron part by a selective ion nitriding treatment. The plasma nitriding surface treatment method is carried out such that the surface of the gray cast iron part is prevented from being deformed, and a reduction of the frictional coefficient of the part is prevented.

Abstract: A novel FeMnAlC alloy, comprising 23˜34 wt. % Mn, 6˜12 wt. % Al, and 1.4˜2.2 wt. % C with the balance being Fe, is disclosed. The as-quenched alloy contains an extremely high density of nano-sized (Fe,Mn)3AlCx carbides (??-carbides) formed within austenite matrix by spinodal decomposition during quenching. With almost equivalent elongation, the yield strength of the present alloys after aging is about 30% higher than that of the optimally aged FeMnAlC (C?1.3 wt. %) alloy systems disclosed in prior arts. Moreover, the as-quenched alloy is directly nitrided at 450˜550° C., the resultant surface microhardness and corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl solution are far superior to those obtained previously for the optimally nitrided commercial alloy steels and stainless steels, presumably due to the formation of a nitrided layer consisting predominantly of AlN.

Abstract: A housing includes a substrate made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, an ion implantation layer formed on the substrate, and a vacuum coated layer formed on the ion implantation layer. The ion implantation layer is implanted with one or more ion species selected from the group consisting of nitrogen ion, oxygen ion, and boron ion and is substantially comprised of one or more selected from the group consisting of aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide, and aluminum boride. The implanted ions can improve the compactness of the ion implantation layer. Thus, the corrosion resistance of the housing can be improved.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method of surface alloying stainless steel, In one embodiment, the method includes providing a stainless steel surface having an initial amount of iron and an initial amount of chromium; and preferentially removing iron from the stainless steel surface to obtain a surface having an amount of iron less than the initial amount of iron and an amount of chromium greater than the initial amount of chromium. Another aspect of the invention is a unitary stainless steel article.

Abstract: A transition metal nitride obtained by nitriding a base material including an austenitic stainless steel having a Cr concentration of 25% or more includes a first layer (first nitrided layer) formed continuously on a base layer formed by the base material, having a stacked crystal structure of a nano-level including a nitride having a cubic crystal structure of M4N type, and a nitride having a hexagonal crystal structure of M2-3N type, and a second layer (second nitrided layer) formed continuously on the first layer, including a nitride having at least one kind of crystal structure out of hexagonal crystal structures of Cr2N, CrN, and M2-3N type, and a cubic crystal structure of M4N type, and being formed as a surface-nitriding-processed portion of the base material continuously in a depth direction from a surface of the base material.

Abstract: A gas injector including in which a gas is passed through high-voltage/low-current electrical discharges before being discharged into the chamber of a thermal treatment furnace. The electrical activation of the gas accelerates desirable reactions between the gas, gases in the furnace chamber, and the chamber workload. Preferably, a hot electrode is electrically charged and the other parts of the gas injector and the furnace are grounded. Also provided is a method for activating an atmosphere within the reaction chamber of a controlled-atmosphere reactor.

Abstract: Surface processing of titanium alloy members for aerospace equipment imparts high wear resistance, lubricity and high fatigue strength. The method includes an oxygen diffusion step for causing oxygen to diffuse and penetrate in solid solution form into a surface of a titanium alloy member under an oxygen-containing gas atmosphere and a particle bombardment step for bombarding the surface of the titanium alloy member with an airflow containing particles. The aerospace equipment can include a flap rail member and slat rail member for aircraft.

Abstract: An example method for manufacturing a magneto-resistance effect element having a magnetic layer, a free magnetization layer, and a spacer layer includes forming a first metallic layer and forming, on the first metallic layer, a second metallic layer. A first conversion treatment is performed to convert the second metallic layer into a first insulating layer and to form a first metallic portion penetrating through the first insulating layer. A third metallic layer is formed on the first insulating layer and the first metallic portion. A second conversion treatment is performed to convert the third metallic layer into a second insulating layer and to form a second metallic portion penetrating through the second insulating layer.

Abstract: A method of material treatment in which the surface of a metal substrate is converted to a composite structure of the metal and its nitride or carbide utilizing a high temperature chemically active thermal plasma stream, and the product obtained from that method. The complex thermal plasma contains controllable additions of active gas, liquid or solid substances. The surface layer obtained is functionally graded to the substrate resulting in an excellent bond that resists delamination and spalling, and provides a significant increase in hardness, wear and erosion resistance, and corrosion resistance, and a decrease in coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A housing includes a substrate made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, an ion implantation layer formed on the substrate, and a vacuum coated layer formed on the ion implantation layer. The ion implantation layer is implanted with one or more ion species selected from the group consisting of nitrogen ion, oxygen ion, and boron ion and is substantially comprised of one or more selected from the group consisting of aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide, and aluminum boride. The implanted ions can improve the compactness of the ion implantation layer. Thus, the corrosion resistance of the housing can be improved.

Abstract: A roller bearing having two cooperating rolling parts of which one is of ceramic and the other of a steel. The steel part is of such structure and/or material and/or is so produced to cause residual compressive stresses to form beneath the contact surface of the steel part, at least in a load-free state, down to a depth.

Abstract: A method for producing a tungsten trioxide powder for a photocatalyst according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a sublimation step for obtaining a tungsten trioxide powder by subliming a tungsten metal powder or a tungsten compound powder by using inductively coupled plasma process in an oxygen atmosphere, and a heat treatment step for heat-treating the tungsten trioxide powder obtained in the sublimation step at 300° C. to 1000° C. for 10 minutes to 2 hours in an oxidizing atmosphere. A tungsten trioxide powder which is obtained by the method for producing a tungsten trioxide powder for a photocatalyst according to the present invention has excellent photocatalytic performance under visible light.

Abstract: A method of heat-treating a steel member including carburizing a steel member in a carburizing gas under a reduced pressure. The steel member is then cooled in a cooling gas having a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. A desired portion of the cooled steel member is then heated using high-density energy. The steel member is then quenched.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming a silicon oxide film, with a substantially uniform film thickness and without being so influenced by dense sites and scattered sites in a pattern provided on an object to be processed, while keeping advantageous points of a plasma oxidation process performed under a lower-pressure and lower-oxygen-concentration condition. In this method, plasma of a processing gas is applied to a surface of the object having a concavo-convex pattern, in a processing chamber of a plasma processing apparatus, so as to oxidize silicon on the surface of the object, thereby forming the silicon oxide film. The plasma is generated under the condition that a ratio of oxygen in the processing gas is within a range of 0.1% to 10% and pressure is within a range of 0.133 Pa to 133.3 Pa.

Abstract: In a DLC film-formed material, an intermediate layer is disposed between a substrate and a DLC film. The intermediate layer is a composite layer containing a component metal atom derived from the substrate and a diamond-like carbon. For example, such intermediate layer can be formed by applying a negative bias to the substrate while reducing the absolute value of the negative bias with time, in a plasma layer formation process. A carbon target or a hydrocarbon gas can be used as a carbon source.

Abstract: A surface modifying jig of an engine valve comprising a substantially circular ring portion for holding the valve head of an engine valve, a head holding portion having a diameter decreasing gradually downward from the inner circumferential side of the ring portion, and a stem holding portion formed below the head holding portion with a substantially constant diameter. When plasma nitriding is performed, the valve head comes into annular line contact with the ring portion and being held by the head holding portion while kept in annular plane contact therewith, and a valve stem is held by the stem holding portion while kept in annular plane contact therewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the plasma-nitriding of precipitation-hardenable stainless steels or stainless maraging steels. The invention also relates to a shaver cap for an electric shaver. The invention also relates to a cutting device. The invention further relates to an electric shaver comprising at least one such cutting device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for improving surface properties of the stainless steels for bipolar plate of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell having low interfacial contact resistance and excellent corrosion resistance. The method for improving surface properties of the stainless steels according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: pickling a stainless steel with an aqueous sulfuric acid solution, the stainless steel comprising, by weight: C: 0.02% or less, N: 0.02% or less, Si: 0.4% or less, Mn: 0.2% or less, P: 0.04% or less, S: 0.02% or less, Cr: 25-32%, Mo: 0.1 to 5%, Cu: 0.1 to 2%, Ti: 0.5% or less, Nb: 0.5% or less, and the balance of Fe and other inevitable elements, and then washing the stainless steel with water, and then immersing the stainless steel in a mixture solution of nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid to form a passivation layer.

Abstract: A transition metal nitride obtained by nitriding a base material including an austenitic stainless steel having a Cr concentration of 25% or more includes a first layer (first nitrided layer) formed continuously on a base layer formed by the base material, having a stacked crystal structure of a nano-level including a nitride having a cubic crystal structure of M4N type, and a nitride having a hexagonal crystal structure of M2-3N type, and a second layer (second nitrided layer) formed continuously on the first layer, including a nitride having at least one kind of crystal structure out of hexagonal crystal structures of Cr2N, CrN, and M2-3N type, and a cubic crystal structure of M4N type, and being formed as a surface-nitriding-processed portion of the base material continuously in a depth direction from a surface of the base material.

Abstract: In a surface layer of an ultra-low carbon stainless steel comprising a seal function layer in the surface layer, an ion such as a nitrogen ion is implanted to form the seal function layer. Since the ultra-low carbon stainless steel comprising the seal function layer is excellent in elasticity, sealing properties, peelability and abrasion resistance, it can make a seal material which has been used unnecessary, and can realize all stainless-made products such as seal and joint system parts.

Abstract: When a metal material such as an Fe alloy or Ni alloy is heated in the presence of an amino resin such as a melamine-formalin resin, a passivation film on the surface of the metal material is reduced and removed. During the reduction and removal of the passivation film, hydrogen sputtering may be also performed when the temperature becomes higher than 400° C., preferably not less than 450° C. By performing a glow discharge, the metal material having an exposed active metal surface is nitrided with N liberated from the amino resin. For example, the amino resin is applied onto the surface of the metal material directly or by using a solvent such as water.

Abstract: A method of carburizing and quenching a steel member includes: a reduced pressure carburization step in which a steel member is contacted with carburization gas under reduced pressure, a slow cooling step in which the steel member is then slowly cooled in a cooling gas, and a quenching step of heating a selected portion of the cooled steel member using high-density energy and subsequently subjecting the selected portion to rapid cooling. The steel member subjected to the low-pressure carburization step includes a first portion in which a diffusion rate of carbon taken therein during carburization is high because of its shape and a second portion in which the diffusion rate of carbon is lower than that of the first portion. The reduced-pressure carburization step is controlled to give a carbon concentration at the surface of the first portion in a range of 0.65±0.1 weight % after diffusion.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided that includes a spool that supports an engine. A gearbox is operatively coupled to the spool through a transmission device configured to transfer rotational drive from the spool to the gearbox. An accessory drive component is coupled to the gearbox. The gearbox is arranged radially between the gas turbine engine and a nacelle that is arranged about the gas turbine engine. A gear is supported by the gearbox and configured to transmit rotational drive to the accessory drive component. The gear includes an iron alloy having a strength of approximately 1900 MPa or greater and a shear fracture toughness of 130 MPa?{square root over (M)} or greater in one example. The gears have teeth with a case hardness of approximately 44 HRC or greater. The teeth have a surface finish of less than 16?/in.

Abstract: A method of nitriding a metal includes transforming a surface region of a generally nitrogen-free metal into a nitrogen-containing solid solution surface region. A first heating process heats the surface region at a first temperature in the presence of a nitrogen gas partial pressure to form a nitrogen-charged surface portion on the surface region. A second heating process heats the surface region and nitrogen-charged surface portion at a second temperature for a predetermined time to interstitially diffuse nitrogen from the nitrogen-charged surface portion a depth into the surface region. Coincident with the second heating process, an ionized inert or reducing gas removes the nitrogen-charged surface portion. The resulting nitrogen-containing solid solution surface region has a gradual transition in nitrogen concentration.