Numerical simulation of quenching of large sized blocks of 718 steel used for plastic dies

Abstract

The 718 steel used for plastic dies is required to be prehardened to 29 – 35HRC. For large sized blocks, it is relatively difficult to additionally guarantee uniform hardness with the greatest hardness difference of 3HRC and without any quenching cracks after heat treatment. In this paper, the transient temperature field and microstructure transformation during the quenching process of large sized blocks of 718 steel have been simulated numerically. Based on the simulation and experimental results, an appropriate quenching process, that is, direct air cooled quenching after austenitising at higher temperatures such as 880 – 930°C, was recommended in order to reach hardness uniformity and avoid quenching cracks.