The influence of plasma nitriding on the microstructure of X153CrMoV12 and X165CrV12 steels

Abstract

This study presents the results of research into the influence of the time of the plasma nitriding process on the microstructure of the coatings obtained on cold-work tool steels X153CrMoV12 and X165CrV12. The processes were carried out under industrial conditions using an Ionit system (Oerlikon Metaplas) with variable process times of 2, 4 and 6 hours. Nitriding mixture consisting of 5 % nitrogen and 95 % hydrogen was chosen, which allowed the expected diffusion layer to be obtained without a white layer (composed of iron nitrides). Analysis of relative elemental concentrations indicates that the presence and content of nitride-forming elements influences the formation of alloy additive nitrides in the microstructure of the diffusion layer. Nitrides of alloying additives, present in the diffusion layer, indicating that investigated steels are the most suitable for plasma nitriding.

Keywords

• X153CrMoV12
• X165CrV12
• tool steel
• plasma nitriding
• X-ray research