Influence of Hot Forging and Heat Treatment on Mechanical Properties of D-Series Cutting Tools

In this experimental work D2 and D3 type cutting tool samples have hot forged and heat treated. The belt a drop hammer of weight 500N was employed to press forge the selected steel tool materials. In the forging operation the materials were heated to 1100°C-1200°C. The structures of hot forged and heat treated tool samples were observed through metallurgical microscope. The hardness and impact strength of the tool materials were studied using Vickers micro hardness tester and Charpy impact testing machine. The wear resistance of the tool materials was assessed using pin on disc wear tester at constant sliding speed (1.675m/s) and sliding distance (1005m) at room temperature condition. The hardness, impact strength and wear resistance of the 20% forged and heat treated D2 tool and D3 tool materials were found comparatively better and the same was discussed under the background of microstructural changes.