Reduction of Retained Austenite in Tool Steels

Abstract

Abstract Tools are devices for machining materials which must have different properties depending on their intended application. These properties are determined by the chemical composition and microstructure of the tool steel. The desired steel microstructure can be achieved with suitable heat treatment technology. During this heat treatment, the microstructure of the tool steel may develop various lattice structural transformations which in turn can cause internal stresses, cracks and distortions. One possible reason for these undesirable results may be the retained austenite. These effects are most pronounced in tool steels. In this study, the possibilities for reducing the amount of residual austenite during the heat treatment of tool steel is investigated.