Impact of semi-solid processing and cryogenic treatment on wear resistance of X210Cr12 tool steel

Semi-solid processing is type of process where metastable microstructure with carbide network may be obtained. Metastable austenite is embedded in carbide-austenite network even in ordinary tool steels. The paper describe semi-solid processing of the ledeburitic steel X210Cr12, with 2% carbon and 12% chromium. The semi-solid processing temperature was 1250 °C with dwell time 60 minutes. Two states for comparison were evaluated, with or without subsequent deformation. Another process used in this study is cryogenic treatment. Cryogenic treatment defined as an add-on process to conventional heat treatment, during which the material is brought to a temperature close to the liquid nitrogen temperature. The cryogenic treatment were used in this study for improving and comparing of impact on wear resistance combined with semi-solid processing. Wear resistance were evaluated based on pin-on-disc testing at ambient temperature.