Influence of Forging on Microstructure and Impact Properties of Rolled H13 Die Steel

Microstructure, impact properties and fracture surface morphology of rolled H13 die steels after annnealing from two manufacturers treated by forging were comparatively studied. The effect of forging on microstructure of the rolled steel was analyzed. The results show that the H13B steel had coarser core banded microstructure and severer segregation than the H13A steel. More and larger carbides were found in the core of H13B steel. The impact properties of the H13 steel decreased from surface to core. Impact toughness of length and width directions was better than the thickness direction. H13A steel had a ductile fracture in length and width directions. H13B steel showed brittle fracture in width and thickness directions.