Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of modification and nitrogen alloying of X210Cr12 tool steel by addition of nanosized Si N during the casting process. This is an air hardening, high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel which displays an excellent 3 4 wear resistance and has good dimensional stability and high compressive strength. Of great importance for the tools fabrication of this steel is the ledeboritic structure after casting and the influence of its characteristics on the next processes of forging. machining and heat treatment for obtaining of optimal properties. In this case a modification at the cast process and obtaining of finer structure is a precondition for better results on the next stages of tool manufacture. The role of nitrogen for obtaining of fine grained structure is already proved for many types of steels and the alloying process is precise developed. Si N is one of the most suitable nitrogenous alloying agents 3 4 for production of alloyed with nitrogen steels because of its high nitrogen content and stability. The investigations show a considerable improvement of the cast structure of X210Cr12 tool steel after the addition of small amount of nanosized silicon nitride during the casting process.