The Effect of Deep Cryogenic Processing and Tempering Heat Treatment of AISI H13 Tool Steel on Microstructure, Hardness and Impact Energy

Abstract

In this study, the effects of conventional quenching, deep cryogenic process and tempering treatment on microstructure, hardness and toughness impact energy of AISI H13 steel were investigated. For this purpose, the samples were subjected to conventional quenching heat treatment and deep cryogenic process at -196 ° C. In order to determine the effects of tempering process, single tempering and double tempering heat treatments were applied to the samples at 560 ° C for 3 hours. The microstructures of the samples were examined and the changes in hardness and impact energies were determined. The microstructures of the samples consisted of martensite, residual austenite and carbide particles. It was determined that the volume fraction of residual austenite decreased and secondary carbide particles were formed by deep cryogenic treatment. Similar hardness and impact energy values were obtained in the samples where conventional quenching and deep cryogenic treatment were applied. Hardness values and impact energy values were decreased due to tempering heat treatment.

Keywords

• AISI H13
• Tool Steel
• Cryogenic Treatment
• Heat Treatment
• Tempering