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The evolution of internal combustion engines has led to friction reduction as well as to gaseous emissions reduction, demanding the use of narrower rings. Nodular cast iron is used satisfactorily for compression piston rings, with wear resistant coatings to improve their durability. However, for more severe applications and rings narrower than 1.2mm, even the nodular cast iron mechanical resistance is not enough. In this way, the use of steel is recommended, which may have its tribological properties improved by the nitriding thermochemical treatment. This paper presents the characteristics of the materials and of the nitriding process of compression and oil control rings as well as bench and dynamometric test results run during the development of these products.