Effects of final hardening heat treatment on prior thermomechanicaly optimized microstructure of SKD61 tool steel.

摘要

Hot working processes of tool steel are implemented to achieve the required geometry and to improve the mechanical properties. Mechanical properties are governed by the microstructure of products. Therefore, to optimize the mechanical properties, the microstructure of the products should also be controlled. The most common production method for tool steel products usually starts from steel making. The raw material is melted, refined and then transferred to the casting station. Following casting, ingots are usually annealed and heated directly for forging. Primary breakdown starts on an open-die hydraulic press, a rotary forging machine or on large rolling mills. Finish rolling operations consist of a chain of rolling mill stands in a continuous line [1]. After hot working, annealing is performed to increase machinability and avoid cracking during machining.