High-temperature abrasive wear testing of potential tool materials for thixoforming of steels

High temperature abrasive wear performance of Inconel 617, Stellite 6 alloys and X32CrMoV33 hot work tool steel was investigated. The wear resistance of the latter is degraded at 750 degrees C due to its inferior oxidation resistance. Extensive oxidation co-occuring with abrasive wear at 750 degrees C leads to substantial material loss due to the lack of a protective oxide scale, sufficiently ductile to sustain the abrasion without extensive spalling. The wear resistance of the Inconel 617 and Stellite 6 alloys, on the other hand, improves at 750 degrees C owing to protective oxides that sustain the abrasion without spalling. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.