Improvement of Laser Deposited High Alloyed Powder Metallurgical Tool Steel by a Post-tempering Treatment

Laser cladding process of a high alloyed powder metallurgical tool steel was studied for die repairing purposes. The low hardness obtained after the deposition process was improved by later tempering cycles, achieving crack free coatings with hardness well above 700 HV. The effect of different post tempering cycles was investigated in order to determine the optimal temperature range. The microstructure of the samples was studied using optical and scanning electron microscope and the volumetric ratio of retained austenite was determined by X-ray diffraction. The tempering effect was mainly evaluated through cross-section microhardness profiles.