Effect of Cryogenic Treatment on Properties of Cr8-Type Cold Work Die Steel

The effect of cryogenic treatment on the properties of Cr8-type cold work die steel was investigated. The results show that cryogenic treatment increases hardness by decreasing retained austenite, but the degree depends on the austenitizing temperature. When quenching at lower austenitizing temperature, the steel can obtain higher toughness by cryogenic treatment substituting conventional treatment process. Cryogenic time has little effect on cryogenic treatment. Conversely, cryogenic temperature has a great effect on cryogenic treatment and the effect of cryogenic treatment is more obvious with decreasing cryogenic temperature. In addition, deep cryogenic treatment improves the wear resistance by precipitating more homogeneous specific carbides.