Effect of Deep Cryogenic Treatment on Microstructure and Properties of Hot Working Tool Steels

Šuchmann Pavel - COMTES FHT a.s. (Czech Republic)

Unlike conventional cold treatment, which is commonly used for elimination of retained austenite, deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) is in engineering and scientific literature said to contribute to microstructure and carbides refinement. Most of the recent R&D activities running in this area are targeted to HSS steels and other steel grades used for manufacturing of cutting tools.
The present article describes the possibilities to optimize properties of hot working tool steels using DCT. Improving of wear resistance through DCT was shown in both laboratory and industrial conditions. Further, DCT contributed to finer microstructure of the investigated steels and, according to results of dilatometric analyses, the carbides precipitation kinetics was significantly modified by DCT. Based on these results, basic technological guidelines for DCT of molds, forging dies and other types of hot working tools were prepared.

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