Microstructure and toughness in high speed tool steels: the influence of hot reduction and austenitization temperature

Measurements of transverse rupture strength are reported for AISI M2, AISI M 35, AISI T 15 and ASP 30 produced by conventional ingot metallurgy, sintering of cold pressed powders, and hot rolling of HIP billets. Also reported are the size distributions of undissolved carbides and the effects of hot reduction and austenitization temperature on these and on the transverse rupture strength of test bars from the centre and the periphery of the bar stock, and of test bars oriented longitudinally and transversally to the rolling direction. Fracture initiating defects were identified and their size measured by SEM fractography. The results are discussed in terms of a fracture mechanical model for transverse rupture strength. It is inferred that in ingot-derived materials, fracture is initiated by micro-cracks formed by subcritical crack growth within the carbide stringers. In powder metallurgy materials, large carbides or carbide clusters initiate fracture. The model explains the dependence of transverse rupture strength on carbide distribution, degree of hot working, austenitization temperature, and specimen orientation. It is emphasized that transverse rupture strength is suitable for characterizing the defect population of a tool steel, but not the fracture resistance of small stressed volumes such as the cutting edge of a tool bit.