Metallographic diagram of W18Cr4V steel

The Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of X210Cr12 (W18Cr4V) Mold Steel

Mold steel, also known as die steel, is a tool steel used in making molds and dies, often used in extrusion dies, stamping dies, forging die blanks, and other parts of the mold. X210Cr12 (W18Cr4V) is one of the types of mold steel. It is widely used for making molds and dies for the production of industrial products. This article discusses the microstructure and mechanical properties of X210Cr12 (W18Cr4V) mold steel.

X210Cr12 (W18Cr4V) is a high-carbon, chromium-bearing mold steel, similar to AISI D2. X210Cr12 (W18Cr4V) contains 1.40–1.60% carbon, 12–14% chromium and 0.2–0.3% vanadium. The microstructure of X210Cr12 (W18Cr4V) is characterized by finely dispersed evenly distributed submicroscopic carbides and chromium-rich alloy particles in a martensitic matrix. The matrix consists of relatively simple cementite-austenite Fe-C and Fe-V-C compound carbides.

The hardness of X210Cr12 (W18Cr4V) can reach 56–60 HRC. Its high carbide content, together with its high chromium content and the combination of other alloying elements of vanadium, result in high abrasion resistance and moderate wear resistance. The toughness of X210Cr12 (W18Cr4V) is not very good and needs proper heat treatment to improve its toughness. The same is true of its corrosion resistance, which is relatively poor.

The steel has good hardenability and can obtain a high strength of HRC58~60 after proper quenching and tempering. Furthermore, it has good dimensional stability and good compressibility, which can be applied to cold carry molds and parts with strict size requirements. Moreover, when hardness is more than HRC56, the wear resistance of X210Cr12 (W18Cr4V) steel is far higher than that of H11 and H21 hot work die steels. In addition, X210Cr12 (W18Cr4V) has good machinability and can be machined or ground with CNC tools.

In conclusion, X210Cr12 (W18Cr4V) is a high chromium steel, with a wide range of applications in the mold and die industry. Its high hardenability, good dimensional stability, excellent abrasion resistance and wear resistance, and good machinability make it an ideal choice for the production of molds and dies.

H18Cr4V Steel is an austenitic stainless steel that has a chromium content of 18%. It is a high carbon steel, commonly referred to as a metal alloy. The carbon content is a range of 0.53 to 1.03%, making it a medium-hard material. The corrosion resistance is excellent, as it has a high content of chromium. H18Cr4V steel is widely used in the manufacturing of cutlery, petrochemical industry, and construction materials.

The chemical composition of H18Cr4V steel is as follows:

• C (carbon) 0.53-1.03%

• Cr (chromium) 18.0-20.0%

• Mn (manganese) 0.2-2.0%

• Si (silicon) 0.4-0.8%

• P (phosphorus) < 0.04%

• S (sulfur) < 0.05%

• V (vanadium) 0.8-1.2%

The petrochemical industry make use of H18Cr4V steel due to its formability and high-temperature strength. It is also used for turbine airfoils, structural and engineering applications. The steel is used for the automotive and aerospace industry, due to its toughness and strength-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for parts where high temperature strength and wear resistance are important.

In terms of the microstructure of H18Cr4V steel, it is typically composed of austenite, which is a gamma iron (γ-Fe) alloy with ferrite, cementite, and carbides. This steel is known for its good dynamic strength and tensile strength, and excellent thermal properties. It has a hardness ranging from HRC 42-50.

The macrostructure of H18Cr4V steel showcases a combination of ferrite and pearlite, which is a compound consisting of ferrite, carbide, and resin. The microstructure largely contributes to the steels mechanical properties and its wear-resistant capability.

H18Cr4V steel is an appropriate material for various industrial applications, due to its resistance to wear and corrosion. It is an excellent material for applications that require a unique combination of strength and toughness. Its combination of thermal and mechanical properties, including wear resistance and corrosion resistance, make it a desirable material for many industries.