Heat Treatment Optimization Of Inconel 718 Cladded H13 Forging Dies For Enhanced Die Life

Forging dies are subjected to extreme conditions involving high temperatures, usually in the range of 300-500°C, large cyclic loads, and repeated impacts. These dies are commonly made from H13, a hot work tool steel known for its combination of good mechanical properties, high temperature stability, and large volume hardenability. Despite the favorable properties of H13 forging dies still experience failures in-use, primarily by thermal fatigue, also known as heat checking. This failure mode is characterized by a network of fine cracks that form on the die surface. To counteract this low cycle fatigue mechanism a more heat resistant alloy, such as Inconel 718, can be deposited on the surface. Direct Metal Deposition and laser hot-wire (LHW) cladding were employed as deposition methods followed by different heat treatments to optimize Inconel 718 hardness. Preliminary results of this investigation are highlighted.