Abstract
Thermal-fatigue properties have been investigated and compared in five standard hot-work tool-steel grades and one newly developed grade. The results demonstrate that heat-checking resistance, hot yield strength, and temper resistance can differ considerably between different martensitic hot-work grades of rather similar alloy type. The very best resistance against thermal fatigue is obtained with alloys having the highest hot yield strength and temper resistance. The new grade, which is based on a carefully balanced alloy composition, is found to offer superior properties in these respects. The findings stress further the importance of selecting a proper tool material when dealing with high-temperature hot-working applications in which the tool is subjected to large thermal fluctuations.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.