| Abstract: | Hot tensile tests after applied prior melting down of the specimens were carried out on mainly ledeburitic tool steels and their strength and ductility were determined in the temperature range between liquidus and 900°C. The test parameters and specimen microstructures were adapted to the conditions and structures prevailing in continuous casting and primary hot working of blooms. The metallurgical processes leading to the embrittlement of the material were examined by means of metallographic investigations. The temperature ranges of internal crack susceptibility and low ductility were evaluated. |
