Samples of a type 316 stainless steel and a microalloyed steel were plasma nitrided in the temperature range 673–973 K. Detailed analyses of various nitrides in the nitrided zone have been performed using X -ray diffraction and SEM techniques. An effective cyclic plasma nitriding treatment for type 316 stainless steel has been adopted and its advantages are discussed. The effects of treatment temperature and ion current on the maximum surface hardnesses obtainable for these steels are examined. The effect of the chromium concentration in the stainless steel on the constitution of the nitrided zone is highlighted.
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