Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate experimentally the microstructural evolution of the joints using ledeburitic AISI D2 Tool Steel parts. The application of a new process of the semisolid joining of two parts of AISI D2 cold-work tool steel is proposed using a partial remelting method. Samples were heated in an argon atmosphere up to 1300°C and held for 10 minutes. Metallographic analyses along the joint interface showed a smooth transition from one to the other and neither oxides nor microcracking was observed. The current work successfully confi rmed that avoidance of a dendritic microstructure in the semisolid joined zone and high bonding quality components can be achieved without the need for force or complex equipment when compared to conventional welding processes.
Highlights
AISI D2 cold work tool steels is high carbon and high chromium-contained steel which is used extensively in a variety of machining and manufacturing processes such as blanking dies, mill rolls, punches etc according to its attractive properties such as high wear resistance, high compressive strength, high hardness after hardening and good dimension stability during heat treatment (Mohammed et al 2013a)
The thixojoining process is developed on the basis of semi-solid metal (SSM) processing, which takes place when the material is between solidus and liquidus temperatures, i.e. when the material shows thixotropic behaviour (Mohammed et al 2012 & Alhawari et al 2013)
This structure has been identified in annealed cold-work tool steel (Omar 2009) and confirms that soft annealing treatment had been carried out on the as-received material as described by the supplier
Summary
AISI D2 cold work tool steels is high carbon and high chromium-contained steel which is used extensively in a variety of machining and manufacturing processes such as blanking dies, mill rolls, punches etc according to its attractive properties such as high wear resistance, high compressive strength, high hardness after hardening and good dimension stability during heat treatment (Mohammed et al 2013a). Due to the growing demand for cold-work tool steel in various industrial applications, it is crucial to improve the welding technique for joining cold-work tool steel. Welding this type of material is very difficult and it is almost impossible to achieve a good result using conventional processes. In order to minimize the joining problems of steels, joining in the thixotropic state (thixojoining) is considered to be an effective alternative joining method. Metal in a thixotropic state has many features such as high softness, good flowability, superb workability and excellent join ability (Kiuchi et al 2002 & Mohammed et al 2013b). The aims of the present study were to investigate the prospect of joining D2 tool steel in the semisolid state and characterize interfacial microstructure and metallurgical joints which are accomplished in this novel process
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