Effect of deep cryogenic treatment on the mechanical properties of tool steels

The effect of deep cryogenic treatment (−196°C) on the properties of some tool steels was studied by means of both field tests on real tools and laboratory tests. The execution of the deep cryogenic treatment on quenched and tempered high speed steel tools increases hardness, reduces tool consumption and down time for the equipment set up, thus leading to cost reductions of about 50%. A laboratory investigation on an AISI M2 and an AISI H13 steel confirms the possibility of increasing the wear resistance and toughness by carrying out the treatment after the usual heat treatment.