The effects of adding TiC powders to VANADIS 4 tool steel by HIP treatment

In this study, the commercial VANADIS 4 (V-4) tool steel powders with sifting classification below 25 μm to be the matrix with fine titanium carbide (TiC) powder to produce a new material with high hardness and wear resistance, via powder metallurgy, sintering and HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing) process. Experimental results showed that the TRS of original V-4 steel powder was 678.5 MPa, but below 25 μm of V-4 steel powder adding 35 wt% TiC enhanced to 868.6 MPa through 1673 K sintered. Beside, the hardness increased to HRA 86.2, TRS reached 1059.3 MPa, and porosity decreased to 1.0% of the V-4 steel powders (below 25 μm) added 35 wt% TiC after 1673 K sintered and heat treatments. Furthermore, HIP treatment can improve the microstructure and mechanical properties of V-4 composite material. TRS of V-4 composite steel increased to 1180.4 MPa and hardness was HRA 87.4 (HRC 71.7), porosity decreased to 0.71% after 1673 K sintered and HIP (1523 K, 150 MPa, 1 hour) treatments.