Deep cryogenic treatment and tempering of the X153CrMoV12 cold work steel

Abstract

The aim of work was to analyse the way of proceeding of the processes accompanying deep cryogenic treatment of X153CrMoV12 cold work tool steel. Properties of X153CrMoV12 steel subjected to deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) and subsequent tempering at different temperatures are presented. The study includes microscope observations, measurements of hardness, wear resistance test and impact strength test. Precipitation processes occurring during tempering of the deep cryogenically treated steel led to shifting of the maximum hardness peak to the lower temperature as well as to the reduction of obtained maximum hardness. These effects are associated with a reduced content of retained austenite and altered precipitation processes. Precipitation process after DCT leads to a higher quantity of fine secondary carbides, due to changes made in the matrix and creating of additional nucleation sites by movement of the mobile dislocations. Carbides with dimensions smaller than 1 µm were disclosed in higher amount in the microstructure of deep cryogenically treated samples.