Influence of experimental parameters on properties and microstructure of the steel X210CrW12 in the semi-solid state

This paper deals with the examination of the steel grade X210CrW12 and its suitability for Thixoforming. In the semi-solid state, the microstructure of this steel consists of a homogeneous distribution of globular particles surrounded by liquid. Additionally, carbides are stabile up to fraction liquid contents of approximately 40%. After quenching, this steel reveals a globular austenitic microstructure with eutectic (former liquid phase) at the grain boundaries. Compression tests permit to determine the influence of different process parameters on the properties and the material behaviour in the semi-solid state. Their influence on the microstructure was investigated but not yet highlighted. Further investigations on this steel allow a fine-tuning to establish optimal process windows of the different thixoforming- and rheoforming-routes.