Microstructure evolution during hot rolling and heat treatment of the spray formed Vanadis 4 cold work steel

A high alloyed Vanadis 4 steel was produced by spray forming, and the microstructure evolution during hot rolling and annealing processes was characterized. It was found that the as-sprayed Vanadis 4 steel has a homogeneous and fine microstructure with uniform dispersion of carbides. The hot rolling temperature is the key factor in controlling the evolution of type, morphology and distribution of carbides, as well as the matrix microstructure of the as-rolled steels. The optimized processing parameters for the as-sprayed Vanadis 4 steel are rolling at 1050 °C and annealing at 900 °C. The microstructural evolution mechanisms during hot rolling and annealing are determined according to the microstructural analysis of the material at different stages.