| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for forming a hardened layer capable of collectively treating small articles having a threaded part in large quantity and forming a stable and uniform hardened layer, and to provide a device for forming the hardened layer used for the method. <P>SOLUTION: In the method, a plurality of the small articles having a threaded part are put into a metallic rotary container 3 provided inside a vacuum chamber 2 and the pressure is reduced. Then, at least, either one of carbon gas or nitrogen gas is supplied to the rotary container 3, cathode voltage is impressed to the rotary container 3 under the gas atmosphere, and plasma discharge is performed. At the same time, the temperature inside the rotary container 3 is raised to the range of 350-550°C by using a heater 5 disposed near the rotary container 3, while rotating the rotary container 3, thereby the hardened layer is formed on the surface of the small articles. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&INPIT |
