EffectsofCoolingRateontheHardenabilityofChromium.pdfVIP

Effects of Cooling Rate on the Hardenability of Chromium Containing P/M Steels Bruce Lindsley Senior Materials Engineer Hoeganaes Corporation Cinnaminson, NJ 08077, USA ABSTRACT Two chromium containing grades, Cr-modified Ancorloy MDC and a developmental CrMnSiMo steel, have been investigated to develop an understanding of the phase transformation behavior of these steels during cooling. The cooling rates studied are in the range typically found in sintering furnaces. A quantitative study to assess the hardenability of these materials has been undertaken and the results of dilatometric, metallographic and hardness evaluations to determine the effects of cooling rate on the various Cr containing steels are presented. INTRODUCTION The use of chromium and manganese in wrought steels is a result of the relatively low cost of these elements and their effectiveness as alloying elements. Cr and Mn improve both the mechanical properties and hardenability of low alloy steels. It would be desirable to incorporate these elements in P/M steels, especially with the adoption of sinter hardening practices. Silicon containing steels (Ancorloy MD series) had been developed earlier that utilized the strengthening contribution of silicon, but required high temperature (1260 °C) sintering (1,2). Two newer alloys, Cr-modified MDC and a developmental CrMnSiMo grade, build on the advantages of the silicon containing steels. The Cr-modified MDC has reduced Ni content and added Cr, with an overall lower alloy content than MDC. The CrMnSiMo alloy is nickel free and utilizes the advantages of both Cr and Mn. The hardenability of both steels is examined within the range of cooling rates typically found in sintering furnaces.  Ancorloy is a trademark of Hoeganaes Corporation EX