Callies Precision Engine Components of Fostoria, Ohio, installed an automated nitriding process-control system from Super Systems Inc. (SSi). The system provides Callies with the ability to perform tight nitriding process control using an easy-to-use recipe system that maintains tight tolerances on temperature(s), gas flows and nitriding potential. An SSi control panel was retrofitted on an existing pit furnace previously used for nitriding. The system also included the controls for the dissociated ammonia (DA) generator, which provides gas-flow monitoring and temperature control to ensure the ammonia is fully cracked prior to being used as process gas in the furnace.

The relatively shallow nitride case delivers tremendous improvement to the fatigue life of every crankshaft. The extremely hard nitrided surface also gives the crankshaft excellent wear resistance. SSi’s control system provides the latest in sensor and flow technology for measuring the nitriding atmosphere and an operator-friendly interface to provide complete traceability to the process and load data.

Callies has recently invested over $1 million in its heat-treat department, which includes induction, neutral hardening and carburizing.