Forging of High Carbon, High Chromium Tool Steel
High carbon, high chromium tool steels are widely used in the manufacturing of various tools due to their excellent wear and fatigue resistance. Tool steels with a high chromium content typically contain around 1.2% to 4.5% chromium along with other alloying elements like carbon, tungsten, and molybdenum. In order for these steels to achieve their exceptional properties, they must be properly forged.
When forging tool steels it is important to pay close attention to the temperature and cooling rate of the final product. If the metal is not heated to the correct temperature when it is being forged, the desired grain structure may not be obtained and this could lead to reduced performance. The forging temperature should be within the range of 2200°F to 2300°F for most high chromium steels.
When forging tool steels it is also important to be aware of the grain structure and the possible development of segregation. Without proper forging techniques, the steel can experience segregation which can be detrimental to the properties of the steel. To ensure the proper grain structure and reduce any possibility of segregation, it is important to use a technique called homogenization. Hmogenization is the process of heating the steel to a temperature above the lower critical cooling point and allowing the steel to cool in a controlled manner. This process allows the grains of the steel to adjust and become more uniform in size, leading to a more homogenous structure.
Forging of high carbon, high chromium tool steels can also put stresses on the tools that are used in the process. It is important to ensure that the tools that are used are of high quality and are up to the task. Commonly used tools for hot-forging low and medium carbon steels can damage the tool steels due to their higher hardness. Therefore, more robust and specialized hand tools such as anvils, presses, and hammers are essential to ensure that the job is done properly.
In conclusion, proper forging of high carbon, high chromium tool steels is essential to ensure that the material achieves its desired properties. It is important to pay close attention to the temperature and grain structure during the process and the use of robust tools is essential. By paying close attention to these factors one can ensure that the steel is adequately forged and will achieve its desired performance characteristics.
