...greater corrosion resistance together with increased strength

Ipsen's SolNit® process - the innovative solution for more resistant rustproof steels.

With its patented SolNit® process, Ipsen is now offering customers the possibility of increasing the strength of the surface layer of rustproof steels; so that they are markedly more resistant to mechanical (wear, erosion, cavitation, etc.) and chemical attack (corrosion, fretting corrosion).

As is well known, the strength of rustproof steels cannot be increased using conventional alloying techniques because nitrogen is effectively insoluble in molten steel. Ipsen has found a solution to this problem: the SolNit® Process. By nitriding the surface layer to a depth of 0.1 to 3 mm, austenitic as well as martensitic rustproof steels can be surface layer hardened. The steel, which is treated at 1050 to 1150°C in a nitrogen atmosphere, is then cooled so quickly that the corrosion promoting separation of nitrides is suppressed.

Two different process versions are available: The SolNit®-M process (for martensitic steels) suitable, amongst others, for: rustproof roller bearings manufacturers and tools used in medical technology, for use in foodstuff and polymer processing and for wear parts in the process and chemical industries as well as in pump manufacture. The SolNit®-A process (for austenitic and duplex steels) is used in fluid flow machinery, such as pumps, turbines and the associated professional fittings as it greatly increases the resistance to cavitation.

"SolNit®-A and SolNit®-M can be used optimally in the new Ipsen Turbo2Treater. However, existing Ipsen industrial furnaces, which are already in operation can be upgraded without problem. “These two processes will allow our customers to offer the market a new quality of steel,” explained L. Oimann, acting sales director of Ipsen, Germany.