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Effect of Nitrocarburizing and Tempering on Microstructure and Wear Performance of SKH51 High-Speed Tool Steel
Author(s)
Jornsanoh, Pijarn
Chankitmunkung, Suwaree
Taweejun, Nipon
Praditja, Tanabodee
Diewwanit, Onnjira
Date Issued
June 1, 2026
Type
Article
Abstract
Traditional heat treatment of high-speed tool steels requires multiple thermal cycles, increasing processing time and energy costs. This study investigates an integrated approach combining tempering and nitrocarburizing processes to optimize both processing efficiency and surface properties of SKH51 high-speed tool steel. Various heat treatment sequences were examined: quenching–double tempering (Q2T), austenitizing at a temperature of 1220 °C for a duration of 15 min. Subsequently, the specimen underwent tempering at 570 °C for 3 hours and was cooled to room. In addition, it is a combination of quenching followed by single (QNC) or double (Q2NC) nitrocarburizing at 570 °C for 3 hours, and quenching–double tempering followed by single (Q2TNC) or double (Q2T2NC) nitrocarburizing. Microstructural analysis revealed that carbon and nitrogen atoms can diffuse into the martensite matrix when the steel is heated at 570 °C for 3 hours in a nitrocarburizing atmosphere. However, the thickness of the nitrocarburized layer was slightly greater for pre-tempered steel compared to direct tempering in the nitrocarburizing atmosphere. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of both ε-nitride (Fe2-3(N,C)) and γ′-nitride (Fe4(N,C)) phases in the compound layer, with the substrate microstructure influencing phase development. While double nitrocarburizing increased compound layer thickness from 4 to 8 μm, it also generated continuous porosity, particularly in pre-tempered specimens, which compromised mechanical performance. All heat treatment sequences effectively reduced the retained austenite content from 24.0 to 1.5-2.1%. Tribological properties were assessed using microhardness depth profiling, scratch test, and ball-on-disk wear test. The wear volume of the QNC specimen was close to that of the Q2TNC specimen. Additionally, the connected porosity in the compound layer developed after two nitrocarburizing cycles led to a decrease in scratch resistance and wear resistance, despite the high surface hardness. These findings establish that a single cycle of direct tempering in the nitrocarburizing atmosphere (QNC) offers a practical pathway for reducing processing steps while maintaining desired surface properties in tool steel manufacturing.
Citation
Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, 35(23), 23493-23509, 2026