Ion nitriding of tool steel in magnetic field followed by deposition of coating by vacuum arc plasma

Effect of magnetic field on ion nitriding process in glow discharge was discussed. Characteristics of discharge influenced by magnetic field was studied. Microstructure and microhardness of samples of tool steel R6M5 after ion nitriding in magnetic field followed by deposition of TiN and TiAlN composition coating by vacuum arc plasma was investigated. Found that using magnetic field while ion nitriding leads to intensification of diffusion process and ensures high process efficiency comparing to conventional nitriding methods. It was established that ion nitriding in glow discharge with magnetic field is efficient technique to support TiN and TiAlN coatings in terms of excess steel surface deformation. Based on phase modification in glow discharge with magnetic field and followed by deposition of vacuum arc plasma coating deposition, technological process of ion nitriding of tool steel parts was developed.