Improvement of stamping performance of H13 steel by compound-layer free plasma nitriding

Abstract

In this study, a self-designed test for evaluating the thermal fatigue resistance was developed according to the cooperator's requirements, and plasma nitriding at low temperature was conducted for H13 steel. The treated samples were characterised by optical microscopy, Xray diffraction, the self-designed thermal fatigue test and indentation test. The results showed that a nitriding layer with only diffusion zone was formed on the surface while nitriding at a low temperature of 470°C. The thermal fatigue resistance and impact toughness were greatly enhanced; without premature failure resulted from cracking and peeling of the compound layer at the outmost surface. Meanwhile, the developed novel low temperature plasma nitriding technology was applied to hot stamping dies, and the results showed that the service life of dies was increased about 10 times, from stamping 1800-2000 increased to 18,000-20,000 automobile components by adopting this non-compound layer plasma nitriding technology.

Hollow cathodic plasma source nitriding of AISI 4140 steel

“…Plasma nitriding is a thermochemical surface engineering process that involves the diffusion of nitrogen into the surface of a metal to create a case-hardened surface [1-4]. In conventional plasma nitriding (CPN), the treated components are subjected to a high cathodic potential.…”

High-Temperature Wear and Frictional Performance of Plasma-Nitrided AISI H13 Die Steel

“…Among the various surface treatments, one of the most highly recommended processes is plasma nitriding [8,14]. Plasma nitriding, also known as ion nitriding or glow-discharge nitriding, is a surface engineering process used to improve the mechanical and physical properties of metal components.…”

Effect of CeO2 on high-temperature wear resistance of WC/Fe-based coatings

“…Therefore, improving the wear resistance of die steel is the key to prolonging the service life of the die [9][10][11]. Researchers improve the wear resistance of H13 by various means, such as plasma nitriding, thermal spraying and jet deposition [12][13][14]. Laser cladding has the advantages of low dilution rate, small deformation, small heat-affected area, good metallurgical bonding, and has become a research hotspot in mould surface modification [15][16][17][18][19].…”