W1 steels are capable of hardening to high surface hardness and soft core which is useful in some shock applications.
Continue readingOne Minute Mentor: Effect of Ledeburite Carbides
For ledeburitic tool steels (typical 8-12%-Cr cold-work tool steels and high-speed steels) the interaction of carbides with the matrix must be taken into account, especially when these carbides are strongly oriented after plastic deformation (rolling, forging) of the pre-material.
Continue readingOne Minute Mentor: Isothermal Transformation Diagram for Tool Steels
The graph shows the isothermal transformation diagram for the steel AISI 1075/DIN EN C75. Cooling curves show three process cycles for molten metal quenching in the time-temperature-transformation plots.
Continue readingOne Minute Mentor: Austenitizing Tool Steel
Austenitizing is the heat treatment in which the final alloy element partitioning between the austenitic matrix (which will transform to martensite) and the retained carbides occurs.
Continue readingOne Minute Mentor: Sinter Hardening
Sinter hardening refers to a process in which the cooling rate in the cooling zone of the sintering furnace is fast enough to transform a significant portion of the powder metal steel matrix into martensite.
Continue readingOne Minute Mentor: Tempering Powder Metallurgy Steels
Usually, powder metallurgy steel parts having a density greater than 6.7 g/cm3 (0.242 lb/in.3) should be tempered after hardening. Recommended tempering temperatures for PM parts range from 150 to 200°C (300 to 390°F) with 175°C (350°F) being common.
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