PM parts that are hard to (or nearly impossible to) surface treat using conventional surface treatments are handled satisfactorily using ion nitriding and nitrocarburizing, which improves surface properties without affecting part dimensions.

Ion (also called plasma) nitriding and ion nitrocarburizing can be used in applications where good wear, antigalling properties and erosion resistance of engineering components and products are required. Ion nitriding improves fatigue and frictional properties of components, and also, in many situations, enhances corrosion resistance. This is a low temperature (800-1100 F, or 430-595 C) process; therefore, there is very little or no distortion even if a very significant residual compressive stress is induced in the surface layer of the treated products.