Tribological Behaviour of Plasma-Nitrided Die Steels

Abstract

Wear, plastic deformation, and mechanical fatigue of dies are the most common failures found during hot forming operations at elevated temperatures. The change in frictional behaviour also happens. The performance of the forming operation is affected. To ensure the quality of the end products and productivity, it has become very important to control the wear and friction of die materials. Surface treatment techniques with superior wear properties and good performance can enhance the life and functionality of dies. Plasma nitriding is the most rapidly developing technique for hot forming dies. It is a cost-effective technique and improves the mechanical properties of the die surfaces. This chapter explains the tribology of hot forming dies, the plasma nitriding technique, and the procedures to develop plasma nitriding on the die steels. Thereafter, the tribological behaviour of AISI H11 and AISI H13 plasma nitrided die steels has been reported. Plasma nitriding was found to be most promising and effective in reducing wear and friction at elevated temperatures.