Influence of 18CN3MA-SH steel electrolyte-plasma processing on surface microstructure and hardness

We investigated 18CN3MA-Sh steel, hardened by electrolyte-plasma processing method. Scanning analysis of transient surface demonstrated that in the course of details electrolyte-plasma heating chemical surface modification takes place along with tempering. Unit value of micro hardness on the crosscut is estimated. Micro hardness twofold increase concerning initial condition testifies to material hardness after electrolyte-plasma processing. This method advantages are minor energy expenditure in the time of tempering high speeds, possibility of local surface processing especially of large size details with complicated shape.