January 1975

STEEL-IRON-
Microscopic and Macroscopic Test for the image ordered Test Sheet
Carbide Distribution of High Speed Steels 1615
2. Edition

1. Basis and Purpose of the Test:

The distribution of carbides in the high speed steels may be important for the usage properties of such tools.
Therefore, the carbide distribution should be subject to proper marking in order to achieve an equal determination.
The easiest way to do this is to compare a present steel structure with a picture serial.

In this test sheet/page, such picture orders/series are displayed (1). These will assist in understanding the
evaluation of structure pictures. Picture series show the carbide distribution of molybdenum-wolfram and
molybdenum high speed steels in technical manufacture: The picture series should carefully be used in more than
%8 of high speed steels containing wolfram, because equal diameters of carbides and their distribution may be
harmful.

One of the picture series in your test sheets shows the carbide distribution followed in the microscopic observation
of high speed steels. In microscopic evaluation, there is a disadvantage of just evaluation the small parts of the
steel, so the other picture series in this test sheet allows the macroscopic evaluation carbide distributions. It is
possible to be informed about the development of carbides and blocks along the transverse section of the rod by
macroscopic evaluation.

2. Generation of carbide net structures and carbide cells in high speed steel
Technical possibilities which affect the carbide distribution should be considered in order to make a reasonable
evaluation in the carbide distribution in steel. So, only carbide net structure and generation of carbide cells shall be
described in this part.
Carbides of high speed steels which are manufactured of current concrete blocks such as ledeburitic steels show
an unequal distribution. The hardening of the steel within the block causes the remaining enamel to a fast melting
change as carbide and austenite. This carbide, changing as an easy solution, is always like a net. The hanger
width of the carbide net structure depends on the hardening speed. Speed reduces from block surface to its kernel.
Therefore, larger hanger width sets in the kernel of a block or modified rod, so there is an unequal distribution
compared to the surface of the block. Because of the same reason, larger blocks required in the thicker
punch/blacksmith parts have a bigger net structure compared the small blocks. Therefore, the usage of bigger
blocks is limited.

The carbide net structure are stretched and extended as required and for proper shape when blocks are
transferred to rod shape. The extending of the carbide net structure strikes depending on the increasing shape
rating; therefore the carbides are seen in line form although they have no similarity with the previous net structure.

Macroscopic examination allows the evaluation of distribution of carbides of the entire transverse section on the
processes material. Other than the block leakages shown in the picture series, periodic leakages and shadow
strips are rarely seen. Bu if these are significantly seen in the macroscopic image of limited structure, then it will
have adverse effects of the usage of steels.

3. Select in pictures in the correct picture series

Picture series of microscopic norm series are classified for 9 ratings and 3 groups from various modification ratings
of concrete (unmodified net) to power modification ratings (significant line order) according to technical
manufacture processes and possibilities. Small and power modified rods have lines not just with information for net
structure. When the modification rating id small the lines are wider and the connection between the previous net
structures is more significant.

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1) These two picture series of the STEEL-IRON test may be requested from Verlag Stahleisen GmbH, Postfach 10 51 64, 40042
Düsseldorf

Premises Technical Boars, Technical request sub commission, Tribotechnique operation link
 Large rods are generally are connected to the carbide net structure in the casting state because of the limited
possibility of modification and limited usage of raw material blocks. Modifications possible in bigger dimensions are
so small that casting structure may sometimes be the same. The density of net structure, in other words, the
penetration of net structure by carbides, are not just affected by production conditions but also it is associated with
the steel’s alloy amount.
Picture series of microscopic norm series are classified for 6 ratings and 3 groups (2). These show the granulating
carbide and block leakages alongside with the transverse section in the increasing diameter.
Ratings for the dimension ratings and modification degrees are proper in microscopic norm process.

4. Microscopic test of carbide distribution

4.1 Samples and sample preparation

A disk plate is taken from the hot and soft rod which is examined. This rod is sliced lengthways as seen in Picture 1
in order to connect the cut surface with the rod’s axis. Constituting a sub group for bigger dimensions may be
proper in grinding process. (See picture 1). The cut surface is grinded and burnished in conventional ways and the
carbides are etched until they are in front of the dark main body of the light colored steel in a 90 cm³ alcohol and
10 cm³ concentrate saltpeter acid solution.

Picture 1: Example of the Allocation of samples and position of examined parts

4.2 Experiment application and evaluation

Grinded/etched parts are maximized up to 100 times under the microscope and the structures of examined areas
are paired with structure pictures of microscopic picture series. The following should be cared: Because the carbide
arrangement develops from the corner to the kernel, the carbide development evaluation should always be made
from the same point of the transverse section of the rod. The picture series in this test sheet , is prepared as the
examined section is between the corner area and the kernel, so the diameter of the examined area should be
within ¼.

5. Macroscopic test of carbide development

5.1 Samples and sample preparation

A disk plate is taken from the hot and soft rod which is examined. This rod is sliced lengthways as seen in Picture
1 in order to connect the cut surface with the rod’s axis. Constituting a sub group for bigger dimensions may be
proper in grinding process. (See picture 1). The cut surface is grinded and burnished in conventional ways and the
carbides are etched until they are in front of the dark main body of the light colored steel in a 90 cm³ alcohol and
10 cm³ concentrate saltpeter acid solution. For bigger dimensions, the disk plate is properly divided.

5.2 Experiment application and evaluation

Etched samples are paired and compared with the pictures of microscopic picture series.

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2) Based on the General Motors Co. und Latrobe Steel Co. norm series