Wear resistance of quenched and tempered AISI 4137H steel

Abrasive wear resistance of quenched and tempered AISI 4137H steel was studied using the dry sand/rubber wheel test. The variables studied included hardness, tempering temperature, and cleanliness of the steel. The effect of sulfide inclusions on the relative wear performance of the steel was examined. Debris from the wear tests was analyzed using SEM and sieve analysis. The effects of steel cleanliness and sulfide inclusion shape on abrasion resistance are explained in terms of the relative ease for chip formation and its subsequent detachability during the abrasion process.