The San Diego, Calif., plant of Bodycote Thermal Processing commissioned its plasma nitriding equipment and completed initial production orders. The equipment has a work area of approximately 125,000 cubic inches (72 cubic feet) and is capable of processing components measuring up to 46 in. in diameter by 75 in. long (39 in. x 78 in.) and workloads with weights as high as 5,000 lb. Processing temperatures range from 800 to 1200F. Applications include components subject to sliding wear, work pieces requiring precise dimension control, structural elements subject to cyclic loading and parts exposed to mild corrosion.