Effect of homogenization heat treatment on toughness and wear resistance of plastic mold steel

Abstract

Abstract In this study, the effect of homogenization treatment on the microstructure, toughness and wear resistance of plastic mold steel was investigated. Homogenization heat treatment was performed at 1150 °C for 3 hours. All specimens were austenitized at 850 °C for 1 hour, quenched in oil and tempered at different temperatures. Wear tests were carried out using a pin-on-disc tribometer under dry sliding conditions. Charpy V notch impact tests were performed to determine the toughness properties. Microstructure, fracture and worn surfaces were investigated by scanning electron microscope. The results show that heat treatment conditions have an effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties of materials. It was determined that homogenization heat treatment causes more homogeneous structure, in particular, it has a positive effect on the toughness properties and wear resistance of the materials which were tempered at low temperatures.