Case depth prediction of nitrided samples with barkhausen noise measurement

Abstract Nitriding is a heat treatment process that is commonly used to enhance the surface properties of ferrous components. Traditional quality control uses sacrificial pieces that are destructively evaluated. However, efficient production requires quality control where the case depths produced are non-destructively evaluated. In this study, four different low alloy steel materials were studied. Nitriding times for the samples were varied to produce varying case depths. Traditional Barkhausen noise and Barkhausen noise sweep measurements were carried out for non-destructive case depth evaluation. A prediction model between traditional Barkhausen noise measurements and diffusion layer hardness was identified. The diffusion layer hardness was predicted and sweep measurement data was used to predict case depths. Modelling was carried out for non-ground and ground samples with good results