Impact of Mechanical Processes as a Pre-Sulphonitriding Treatment on Tribology Properties of Selected P/M Tool Steels

We have evaluated phase composition changes in the surface layer (SL) and wear resistance of steels investigated after various mechanical processes such as a pre-sulphonitriding treatments. Two various paths of surface modification were employed: Grinding–sulphonitriding (G-SN) and hard turning–slide burnishing–sulphonitriding (T-B-SN). Studies were carried out on Vanadis 8 and Vancron 40 tool steels, which are classified as advanced powder metallurgy (P/M) high-alloyed steels with different types and amounts of carbides. Heat treatment to the final hardness of 64 ± 1 HRC (Vanadis 8) and 62 ± 1 HRC (Vancron 40) was performed in vacuum furnaces with gas quenching. Precipitation of different types such as sulfides, nitrides, and carbides was observed using X-ray diffraction analysis. Tribological properties of SL were evaluated by pin-on-disc experiments. Pins of Al 2O 3 and 19MnB4 steel were used as counterbodies materials. 3D surface geometrical structure measurements were also performed. Wear tracks and cross-sections of SL were observed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The three-stage process increases the wear resistance about 37% and 30%, respectively for Vanadis 8 and Vancron 40 (in case of alumina pins), whereas values of wear rates after tests performed against steel pins were very similar for two compared processes for both steels. View Full-Tex