Uitnodiging – Avondbijeenkomst Nitreren 17 September 2026 VWT bijeenkomst

17.00 uur

Ontvangst en registratie

17.30 uur

Diner

19.00 uur

Opening – Rob Jongbloed (Chromin BV), voorzitter van de Vereniging voor Warmtebehandelingstechniek (VWT)

19:05 uur

Algemene ledenvergadering VWT

19.35 uur

Lezing:  Application of a Modern Nitriding Potential Control System (KN Control) for Industrial Heat Treatment  Nitreerregelingen “State of the art”

Oliver Bockermühl,Technical Sales & Head of Process Engineering,

STANGE Elektronik GmbH

Nitriding potential control (KN control) is a key component of modern gas nitriding and nitrocarburizing processes, enabling reliable, reproducible, and cost-effective control of the furnace atmosphere. The primary objective of the control system is to maintain a constant nitriding potential throughout the entire process, a consistent compound layer thickness and nitriding hardness depths regardless of workpiece geometry, material grade, or furnace load.

The presentation first introduces the theoretical fundamentals of gas nitriding and nitrocarburizing, including the physicochemical principles of ammonia dissociation and nitrogen diffusion into the workpiece surface. It then explains the measurement principles of the sensors used and their significance for calculating and controlling the nitriding potential (KN).

A particular focus is placed on the KN control system developed by STANGE Elektronik, which utilizes mass flow controllers (MFCs) for precise process control. An optimized transition strategy between fixed gas flow operation and closed-loop KN control is presented, enabling a smooth and disturbance-free changeover to the holding phase. This approach minimizes fluctuations in the furnace atmosphere, reduces ammonia consumption, and significantly improves process stability. As a result, consistent heat treatment quality, enhanced reproducibility, and improved process efficiency can be achieved in industrial nitriding applications.

20:20 uur

Koffiepauze

André Sitzmann, Team Leader, Center of Competence – DriveTechnologies,Sumitomo Drive Technologies

The increasing demands on power density, precision and service life of modern gear systems require a targeted selection and design of suitable materials and heat treatment processes for gears. In addition to the established case hardening process, nitriding offers an alternative thermochemical technology that enables low distortion of gears and favorable surface properties, particularly with regard to wear resistance.

The lecture presents the fundamental mechanisms of nitrided gears and discusses their influence on the load-carrying capacity. It is demonstrated that the performance of nitrided gears is not determined by individual parameters alone, but rather by the interaction of various factors related to the surface layer, material, base material condition, and manufacturing process.

A particular focus is placed on the performance of nitrided gears, including the analysis of relevant interactions between surface layer condition, surface characteristics, and operational loading. Manufacturing routes and the resulting fundamental differences in manufacturing and machining processes are also considered. A comparative assessment with case-hardened gears is included to provide additional context.

Furthermore, based on current findings from research and development, relevant recommendations for the design of nitrided gears, nitrided layer engineering, and corresponding design guidelines for industrial applications are discussed. Particular attention is given to how heat treatment can be used to tailor the properties of the nitrided layer in order to achieve an optimized load-carrying capacity with respect to the operating conditions of gears.

The objective of the lecture is to provide a fundamental understanding of the potential and limitations of nitriding, to support the selection of suitable heat treatment strategies for gears by considering nitriding as a potential alternative to established processes such as case hardening, and to give an outlook on current and future developments in the field of nitrided gears

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Afsluiting en mededelingen door voorzitter VWT