P/M tool steels
The powder metallurgical production route offers many benefits over conventionally ingot-cast tool steels. The raw material, gas atomized steel powder, has a very uniform composition and uniform distribution of fine carbides. During compaction by Hot Isostatic Pressing, the temperature is kept low enough to prevent carbide growth.
The primary benefits of P/M steels include:
- Improved cracking and fatigue resistance. The P/M process creates a refined carbide structure when compared with conventionally produced high-alloy grades. The more uniform microstructure leads to a significant improvement in ductility. This improves cracking and fatigue resistance while maintaining or improving wear resistance.
- More freedom of choice in the alloy content of the steel and in selecting carbide-forming elements other than chromium, such as vanadium. The wear-resistance of the steel is increased while maintaining a similar or even better cracking resistance.
- Better dimensional stability during heat treatment. The more uniform microstructure of P/M steels, without the carbide bands in the rolling direction, minimize dimensional changes during heat treatment. Any dimensional changes that do occur are more predictable and consistent from bar to bar and not as sensitive to rolling direction.
- Potential increase in tool life. P/M steels reduce maintenance and downtime costs.
- A small and uniform carbide structure that makes P/M steels easier to grind and polish. The edges of cutting tools are sharper and the surface finish of polished mold surfaces is improved.
Material datasheet: Ralloy WR1
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