Influence of production technology on the structure and properties of powder high-speed steels

Powder high-speed steels are a new group of tool materials with enhanced operational capabilities compared to steels made using traditional technology. The paper presents an assessment of the impact of powder steel production technology on their structure and properties. The studies are carried out on the example of two grades of experimental powder steels - R7M5F2-MP and M5F5-MP in three directions: the influence of compacting technology on the structure and properties of powder steels; development of optimum modes of hardening heat treatment; improving the quality control methodology of powder highspeed steels at the main stages of their production technology. A comparative analysis on the quality of the experimental powder high-speed steels depending on the chemical composition and various schemes for compacting workpieces from atomized powder is carried out. As a result of studies, the influence of hardening heat treatment modes on the phase composition, structure and basic properties of powder high-speed steels is established. Recommendations on hardening thermal working regimes to ensure the optimum ratio between hardness and heat resistance of steels are developed. Studies have shown feasibility of using powder highspeed steels (including domestic ones).