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Effect of Cryogenic Treatment on AISI M2 High Speed Steel: Metallurgical and Mechanical Characterization

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Abstract

This study aims to present the metallurgical and mechanical characterization of cryogenically treated AISI M2 high speed steel (HSS) in terms of carbide precipitation and wear behavior. The samples of commercially available conventionally quenched and tempered AISI M2 HSS were procured and subjected to cryogenic treatment at two levels −110 °C (shallow treatment) and −196 °C (deep treatment) of temperature. The microstructures obtained after cryogenic treatments have been characterized with a prominence to comprehend the influence of cryogenic treatment vis-à-vis conventional quenching and tempering on the nature, size, and distribution of carbides. The mechanical properties such as hardness and wear rate of the specimens have also been compared by performing Rockwell C hardness test and pin-on-disc wear test, respectively. Microstructures, hardness, wear rate and analysis of worn surface reveal the underlying metallurgical mechanism responsible for the improving mechanical properties of the AISI M2 HSS.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) New Delhi, India by providing grant (F. No: 8023/BOR/RID/RPS-145/2008-2009) under Research Promotion Scheme (RPS). The authors are grateful to the Dr. Durgesh Nadig, Senior Scientific Officer at Centre for Cryogenic Technology, Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore, India for assisting the characterization work. The help rendered by Institute of Auto Parts and Hand Tools (IAPT), Ludhiana, India is greatly acknowledged for providing microscopic and cryogenic treatment facilities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Beant College of Engineering and Technology, Gurdaspur, 143521, Punjab, India

    Simranpreet Singh Gill & Jagdev Singh

  2. Department of Production Engineering, Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana, 141006, Punjab, India

    Rupinder Singh

  3. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar, 140001, Punjab, India

    Harpreet Singh

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  1. Simranpreet Singh Gill
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  2. Jagdev Singh
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Correspondence to Simranpreet Singh Gill.

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Gill, S.S., Singh, J., Singh, R. et al. Effect of Cryogenic Treatment on AISI M2 High Speed Steel: Metallurgical and Mechanical Characterization. J. of Materi Eng and Perform 21, 1320–1326 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-011-0032-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-011-0032-z

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