IFHTSE global 21: Heat treatment and surface engineering in twenty-first century Part 16: Advances in tool steels and their heat treatment Part 2 - Hot work tool steels and plastic mould steels

Following the coverage of cold work tool steels (see Part 1, IHTSE, 2010, 4, 138-144), the present contribution reviews the possibilities, requirements and optimum heat treatment parameters of new hot work tool steels and plastic mould steels. The focus is laid on low Si grades of hot work tools steels and their heat treatment and nitriding behaviour, paying special attention to the NADCA recommendations. With respect to plastic mould steels, corrosion resistant grades and their property dependence on heat treatment parameters are especially emphasised.