OPTIMIZATION AND COMPUTER DESIGN OF THERMO-CYCLING HEAT TREATMENT PROCESS FOR P18 HIGH-SPEED STEEL

Abstract

The paper contains results pertaining to investigation of mechanical properties of P18 (18 % W) high-speed steel subjected to strengthening thermo-cycling heat treatment (STCHT). Optimization of temperature–time parameters of the STCHT process has been executed for impact strength, bending strength and surface hardness of the Р18 steel after thermo-cycling treatment. STCHT – process parameters – properties diagrams have been plotted using mathematical models. Treatment with optimum regime permits to increase wear resistance of a cutting tool made of Р18 steel by 1.5 to 6.3-fold in comparison with a conventionally treated tool.