The RUBIG Solution: Boosting Efficiency with Nitrided Forging Dies
Nitriding Technology for Forging Dies: More Performance, Lower Costs
Die forging has been embedded in RUBIG’s DNA since the company was founded in 1946. From the very first successes in this manufacturing method, forging has been a central pillar of the RUBIG Group.
The forging process is a hot forming method for metals, where forging dies are made from tool steels such as 1.2343 (X37CrMoV5-1) or 1.2344 (X40CrMoV5-1). These steels are known for their high hot strength, toughness, and thermal fatigue resistance – essential properties for the demanding forging industry.
Typical Tool Damage in the Forging Process
Forging dies are exposed to extreme stresses during operation. Thermally, they must withstand continuous heat exposure as well as brief temperature spikes during pressure contact and alternating loads. Mechanically, the tools are stressed by material flow pressures, upsetting forces in the die, and varying engraving geometries. These stresses lead to multiple wear mechanisms such as abrasion, scaling, adhesion, erosion, and friction oxidation – all influenced by the tool’s geometry.
Heat Treatment for Maximum Tool Life
The Impact of Heat Treatment
The base microstructure of forging dies is typically set through hardening and tempering. An additional surface treatment provides a hard, wear-resistant outer layer, thereby maximizing the die’s service life.
RUBIG recognized early on that nitriding is an excellent method for surface treatment. It contributes to:
extending the service lifeof dies,
increasing production output, and
minimizing downtime.
The result: significantly lower unit costs for forged components.
We Forge Your Vision!
With nitrided dies, your forging process becomes more efficient, higher in quality – and significantly more cost-effective.
Top of Nitriding:
Gas and Plasma Nitriding
Both gas nitriding and plasma nitriding have proven their worth in the forging industry and are successfully applied. Depending on die geometry and local conditions, one or the other process is preferred. However, plasma nitriding has gained increasing importance in recent years, offering benefits such as:
lower gas consumption,
easier integration into toolmaking and production lines,
reduced environmental footprint.
A RUBIG study has also shown that plasma nitriding, through its surface activation effect (sputtering), compensates for pre-treatment variations and delivers more uniform and reproducible nitriding results. Nitriding forging dies - including crankshaft dies and piston rod dies - maximizes tool life, improves wear resistance, and reduces operating costs.
CONCLUSION:
Maximum Efficiency
and Quality Through Nitriding
Nitriding of forging dies is a proven and efficient solution for extending service life and reducing operating costs in the forging process. By applying modern processes like plasma nitriding, which provides not only higher precision and uniform results but also environmental advantages, manufacturers can optimize their production operations.
With almost 80 years of expertise in forging, RUBIG is not only a specialist in this field but also a leading provider of nitriding solutions. In addition to contract nitriding services, RUBIG also offers in-house systems. This enables customers to carry out all nitriding processes directly at their own facilities, benefiting from greater flexibility and significantly reduced unit costs.
Enhance the performance of your dies – with RUBIG and professionally nitrided tools.
Nitriding
For Forging Dies -
Maximize Tool Life & Reduce Costs
Optimize your forging processes with RUBIG’s precision nitriding technologies. Our gas and plasma nitriding processes ensure maximum surface hardness and reduced wear mechanisms – all with maximum cost-efficiency.
Request your free consultation now and unlock your potential!
We Forge Your Vision!
