Applied high-current N-ion-beam surface engineering of metals and industrial tools at Chiang Mai University

A 150-kV, high-current, non-mass-analyzed ion implanter based on a modified duoplasmatron ion source and a completely computerized control has been de veloped for industrially applicable ion beam surface engineering at Chiang Mai University. High-current (similar to mA) N-ion implantation in steels a nd alloys and other ion beam techniques such as single-ion-beam assisted de position have been explored using the facility for modification of tribolog ical properties. The ion implanter has been engaged in industrial service t o local customers in implanting various practical objects. The ion implanta tion for both academic and applied purposes has proved to be successful in improving hardness and wear resistance as well as prolonging lifetime of th e ion-beam-processed tools. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reser ved.