Effect of Austempering Treatment on Metallurgical Structure of Ce Inoculated X210Cr12 Cold Work Tool Steel

Abstract

The effect of austempering treatment on metallurgical structure of X210Cr12 cold work tool steel inoculated with Ce was researched. Microstructural changes, elemental characterizations, and phase formations of the samples were examined by using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, elemental mapping, and microhardness test. Ce inoculation reduced the grain size, and the austenitizing temperature had a huge effect on the austenitizing process. The austenitizing process increased the hardness by reducing the retained austenite, but the degree was dependent on the austenitization temperature. The austempering treatment improved the hardness resistance by depositing more equal carbides composed of nano-sized carbides. High austempering period and increase of austempering temperature decreased the homogeneity and hardness of the microstructure.