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Microstructure and Origin of Hot-Work Tool Steel Fracture Toughness Deviation

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Abstract

Dies and tools used in hot metal forming are exposed to elevated temperatures and high contact pressures, and therefore to wear and fatigue. Fracture toughness is thus one of the main material properties used when selecting and optimizing heat treatment of tools. However, fracture toughness data alone is not sufficient and need to be supported by other material properties and features. The aim of the present research work was to correlate fracture toughness properties of hot-work tool steel, especially its variation to the local microstructure, microhardness, and composition and to establish methodology for proper evaluation of tool steel’s fracture toughness. Research was performed on H11-type hot-work tool steel specimens, heat treated under the same conditions but displaying greatly different fracture toughness. Results show that the presence of any weak point, either in a form of non-metallic inclusions and/or large undissolved eutectic carbide clusters, located in the region of positive segregation with high microhardness will lead to considerable reduction in fracture toughness.

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Acknowledgments

This investigation was part of a bigger project financially supported by Slovenian steel company Metal Ravne d.o.o. Involvement of Mr. A. Vrečič and Mrs. T. Vrečko-Pirtovšek, M.Sc. from Metal Ravne is highly appreciated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Metals and Technology, Lepi Pot 11, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Bojan Podgornik (Researcher) & Vojteh Leskovšek (Researcher)

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  1. Bojan Podgornik
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  2. Vojteh Leskovšek
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Correspondence to Bojan Podgornik.

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Manuscript submitted April 21, 2013.

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Podgornik, B., Leskovšek, V. Microstructure and Origin of Hot-Work Tool Steel Fracture Toughness Deviation. Metall Mater Trans A 44, 5694–5702 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-013-1921-6

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