Optimization of Heat Treatment Parameters of Boron Steel B1500HS Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Heat treatment parameters play important roles in hot stamping of boron steel. In order to optimize the heat treatment parameters of boron steel B1500HS, aResponse Surface Methodology (RSM) with two-factor and five-level experimental project is used, and austenitizing temperature and holding time are the two factors in the experimental project. The heat treatment experiments are performed according to the designed results. The hardness, tensile strength, and ductility of cooled specimens are measured using the Rockwell hardness tester and the tensile testing machine. According to the measuring results and experimental project, the cubic response surface models of hardness, tensile strength, and ductility are gained using the regression method. The austenitizing temperature and holding time are optimized according to the cubic response surface model. The results of parameter optimization show that, when the austenitizing temperature is in the range of 916°C–921°C and holding time is 0 min, with steel die cooling, the cooled parts of B1500HS have the properties of high tensile strength, good abrasion resistance, and energy absorption performance.