EFFECT OF TEMPERING IN PULSE MAGNETIC FIELD ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF HIGH SPEED STEEL

Using a self-made pulse magnetic field heat treatment equipment with low or medium intensi-ty,the tempering process of high speed steel W6Mo5Cr4V2 was investigated.It was foundthat the secondary hardening process and the transformation of retained austenite for the steelwere accelerated by the pulse magnetic field,and the tempering period could be reduced tohalf of the original.It was shown by the analyses of X-ray and eletron microscopy that theprecipitation of carbides becomes more homogeneous and dispersive,and the tetragonality ofmartensite increases obviousely,which causes the improvement of hardness and red-hardnessfor the steel.It was confirmed that the service life of tools as centre bits,screw taps andpunches for nuts could be increased by 0.4 to 1.4 times by the tempering in magnetic field.