Reindustrialization principles in the heat treatment of die steels

Abstract

The reindustrialization of production is considered. As an example, a working model is developed for the heat-treatment equipment used in the production of dies made from special steels. In reindustrialization, productive capacity that has been lost or has grown outdated during deindustrialization must be restored or modernized. Heat treatment is of particular importance since it is part of the manufacture and restoration of most tools. Modern Russian equipment permits high-quality heat treatment of many special steels so as to ensure the required mechanical properties. All the basic groups of die steels are considered in terms of their performance: steel of increased wear resistance; secondary-hardening crumple-resistant steel; steel with elevated impact strength; steel of moderate thermostability and high ductility; steel of elevated thermostability and ductility; and steel of high thermostability. The requirements on the properties of these groups are analyzed, and possible means of attaining those properties by heat treatment are identified. By comparing the specific purpose of die steels, their required properties, and the possible means of attaining those properties by heat treatment, the appropriate equipment is chosen. Modern Russian equipment permits high-quality heat treatment of die steels so as to ensure the required mechanical properties. At present, it is important to create production systems that incorporate the vast wealth of Russian specialists’ accumulated experience and the best available technologies. This is a very complex problem, in both engineering and economic terms.