Influence of forging process parameters on the structure and properties of diffusion-alloyed powder steel SP50N4D2M produced by PJSC Severstal
摘要
This study examines the effect of open-die forging parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of SP50N4D2M diffusion-alloyed powder steel produced by PJSC Severstal. The hot forging process of cylindrical billets, as well as key factors including the height-to-diameter ratio (h0/d0), initial porosity, and heating temperature were examined. The experimental procedure involved preparing a charge by adding ultra-dispersed nickel oxide (NiO) and graphite. This was followed by cold pressing, sintering in a protective atmosphere, and hot upset forging on a stamping press. The results demonstrate that deformation occurs non-uniformly, with the formation of three distinct zones: a minor deformation zone, a major deformation zone, and a zone under tensile stress. This non-uniformity leads to barreling and potential surface cracking of the specimens. Decreasing the h0/d0 ratio was found to reduce plastic deformation due to increased contact friction and constrained deformation zones. Reducing initial porosity from 30% to 10% enhances material strength, yet the risk of microcrack formation due to non-uniform densification remains. To improve the quality of the deformed billets, the study recommends accounting for additional tensile stresses and optimizing the upset forging parameters.