Induction hardening and tempering behavior of X153CrMoV12 (~D2) cold work tool steel

The effect of short heat treatment cycles typical for induction hardening with different variations in austenitising time and tem tempering parameters on the high-alloy cold work tool steel XI 53 CrIvInV I 2 (--1)2) was simulated on a quench dilatometer material. Investigations of the heat-treated material were performed using optical and scanning electron microscopy, as well as micro-hardness testing, x-ray diffraction and micro-impact testing. The results reveal the effects of different heat treatment parameters on the hardness and toughness properties in addition to shedding some light on metallurgical reasons for this behaviour. Furthermore, the results provide conclusions about optimum short-time heat treatment condition for strongly reduced heat treatment cycles, which may also be applied in areas besides surface hardening.