Influence of Sintering Parameters on the Mechanical Performance of PM Steels Pre-alloyed with Chromium

Powder grades pre-alloyed with 1.5-3 wt% chromium can be successfully sintered at the conventional temperature $1120^{\circ}C$ although well-monitored sintering atmospheres are required to avoid oxidation. Mechanical properties of the Cr-alloyed PM grades are enhanced by a higher sintering temperature in the range $1120-1250^{\circ}C$, due to positive effects from pore rounding, increased density and more effective oxide reduction. Astaloy CrM (Fe-3 wt% Cr-0.5 wt% Mo) with 0.6 wt% graphite added obtains an ultimate tensile strength of 1470 MPa and an impact strength of 31 J at density $7.1\;g/cm^3$, after sintering at $1250^{\circ}C$ followed by cooling at $2.5^{\circ}C/s$ and tempering.