Effects of sintering process and heat treatments on microstructures and mechanical properties of VANADIS 4 tool steel added with TiC powders

• Published in: Powder metallurgy 2011-09, Vol.54 (4), p.507-512
• Main Authors: Chang, S-H, Tang, T-P, Huang, K-T, Tai, F-C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Creep rupture strength; Exact sciences and technology; Hardness; Mechanical properties and methods of testing. Rheology. Fracture mechanics. Tribology; Metal powders; Metals. Metallurgy; Porosity; Powder metallurgy; Powder metallurgy. Composite materials; Production techniques; Sintered metals and alloys. Pseudo alloys. Cermets; Sintering (powder metallurgy); Sintering process; Steels; Technology; TiC powder; Titanium carbide; Tool steels; TRS; VANADIS 4 tool steel; Vanadium
• ISSN: 0032-5899; 1743-2901
• DOI: 10.1179/003258910X12740974839503

In this study, commercial VANADIS 4 (V-4) tool steel powders were classified by sifting, which was previously the matrix, and fine TiC powder was used as an additive to produce a new material with high hardness and wear resistance, via powder metallurgy and a sintering process. Experimental results showed that the transverse rupture strength of the original V-4 steel powder was 678·5 MPa and was enhanced to 868·6 MPa below 25 μm, after the addition of 35 wt-%TiC powders through sintering at 1400°C. In addition, the hardness increased to 86·2 HRA, transverse rupture strength reached 1059·3 MPa and porosity decreased to 1·2% of the V-4 steel powders (below 25 μm) added with 35 wt-%TiC after sintered at 1400°C and annealed at 850°C, followed by quenching at 1030°C and tempering at 200°C.