Effect of Manufacturing Methods on Structure and Properties of the Gradient Tool Materials with the Non-Alloy Steel Matrix Reinforced with the HS6-5-2 Type High-Speed Steel

Abstract

Investigations carried out referred to obtaining material based on the high-speed steel and non-alloy steel. The conventional powder metallurgy method was used for manufacturing these materials, consisting in compacting the powder in the closed die and sintering it next, the isostatic pressing method, and the modern pressureless forming powder metallurgy. Forming methods were developed during the investigations for high-speed and non-alloy steel powders, making it possible to obtain materials with three layers in their structure. Investigations included determining the sintering conditions, and especially the temperature and treatment cycle, as well as examining the selected mechanical properties. It was found out, basing on the comparison of structures and properties of test pieces made with the pressureless forming method, as well as with the isostatic pressing and pressing in the closed die, with further sintering, that in structures of all examined test pieces in the sintered state fine carbides occurred distributed homogeneously in the high-speed steel layer. It was noticed, that increase of the sintering temperature, regardless of the manufacturing method, results in the uncontrolled growth and coagulation of the primary carbides and melting up to forming of eutectics in layers consisting of the high-speed steel. It was found out basing on the microhardness tests that hardness of test pieces both those pressureless formed, compacted in the closed die, and isostatically cold pressed and sintered grows along with the sintering temperature. It was also noted that the sintering temperature range is bigger in case of the pressureless formed materials.