Source: Metlab
Nitriding and carburizing are the two most common heat treatment practices for surface hardening functional components. The main difference is that in nitriding, nitrogen atoms are made to diffuse into the surface of the parts being processed, whereas in carburizing, carbon is used. There are advantages and disadvantages to both processes.
This excellent blog post by Metlab in the Philadelphia area is a great primer for both processes.
Read More: Nitriding and Carburizing
