Operation Points for Forged D2/Cr12 Steel Mould
1 Introduction
D2/Cr12 steel is a type of tool steel, generally used in moulds or die-casting moulds. It is a combination of high carbon, high chromium and molybdenum. This type of steel has excellent corrosion resistance, heat resistance, creep resistance and wear resistance. Its tensile strength in the annealed state is 1700- 1900 mpa and its hardness is 52-60 HRC, this makes it suitable for forging. The following points must be considered when forging D2/Cr12 steel:
2 Major Operation Points
2.1 Pre-heating
The temperature of the pre-heating is a key factor in determining the success of the forging job. The steel should be heated approximately 200°C above the initial forging temperature and held for at least one hour to ensure that the steel is thoroughly heated. This heating process helps to prevent cracking and warping, improve the malleability of the steel, and reduce the risk of thermal shock.
2.2 Furnace Loading and Unloading
When loading the steel into the furnace, it must be done carefully to ensure that the steel does not become warped or cracked during transportation. During the furnace unloading, the steel must be brought to a temperature that is in the range that it is being forged at. The temperature of the steel should be between 1100°F and 1120°F or 593°C and 605°C, depending on the desired outcome of the forging job.
2.3 Forging
The forging process must be conducted carefully and with precision to achieve the desired result. The forge must be heated to the desired temperature and the steel must be worked at a consistent rate. If the steel is worked too quickly, it could result in cracking and warping, which should be avoided. After the forging job is completed, the steel should be cooled slowly and steadily.
2.4 Heat Treatment
After the forging job is completed, the steel should be heat treated to optimum condition. The heat treatment should be done to increase the strength and the ductility of the steel. The recommended austenitizing temperature for D2/Cr12 is between 1350°F to 1410°F or 732°C to 771°C. After the austenitizing process has been completed, the steel should be quenched in a quenching oil. For the best results, the quenching oil temperature should be between 90° to 120°F or 32° to 49°C.
3 Conclusion
In conclusion, D2/Cr12 steel is an excellent choice for forging operations as it has excellent corrosion resistance, heat resistance, creep resistance, and wear resistance qualities. The success of the forging job is dependent on the care taken during the pre-heating, loading, unloading and forging processes, as well as the heat treatment process after forging. Following these tips will ensure that the best results are achieved.
