How could I improve the lifetime of induction hardened cutting edges?
How could I improve the lifetime of induction hardened cutting edges?
(OP)
I have some cutting blades which were investment cast from steel grade 4068 (not sure of the specific composition). The cutting edge have been induction hardened to 58-60 HRC.
As an experiment, I want to increase strength/durability in order to allow for a longer lasting cutting edge. Since investment casting was used, the supplier has mentioned that the chemistry can be tailored however we request. What specific elements would accomplish this (only interested in tweaking Cr, Ni and Mo levels) and how could I determine how much of them to add? Of course, I do not want to increase toughness at the expense of hardness.
For example, I am considering possible alternative steel grades 4168 as well as 4360 or 8660. Would these be better choices over the 4068?
Any advice is most appreciated.
As an experiment, I want to increase strength/durability in order to allow for a longer lasting cutting edge. Since investment casting was used, the supplier has mentioned that the chemistry can be tailored however we request. What specific elements would accomplish this (only interested in tweaking Cr, Ni and Mo levels) and how could I determine how much of them to add? Of course, I do not want to increase toughness at the expense of hardness.
For example, I am considering possible alternative steel grades 4168 as well as 4360 or 8660. Would these be better choices over the 4068?
Any advice is most appreciated.





RE: How could I improve the lifetime of induction hardened cutting edges?
"You see, wire telegraph is like a very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? Radio operates the same way: You send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is there is no cat." A. Einstein
RE: How could I improve the lifetime of induction hardened cutting edges?
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"The richer we have become materially, the poorer we have become morally and spiritually." Martin Luther King Jr
RE: How could I improve the lifetime of induction hardened cutting edges?
Yes, the cutting edges have been tempered after induction hardening. I will consider the 43xx series as the best of my alternatives since they do have a relatively high level of Ni for increasing toughness. Could there be any potential issues reaching 58-60 HRC with this type of steel?
arunmrao,
I will consider those element additions. Is the ceramic coating expensive that you know of? Maybe you meant this when you said "if you can afford it"?
RE: How could I improve the lifetime of induction hardened cutting edges?
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RE: How could I improve the lifetime of induction hardened cutting edges?
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"You see, wire telegraph is like a very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? Radio operates the same way: You send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is there is no cat." A. Einstein
RE: How could I improve the lifetime of induction hardened cutting edges?
Since you mentioned that they were investment cast and you could prepare the recipe, I thought of recommending those performance enhancers.
Yesterday I looked at some kitchen knives they were made of ceramics,while another from Japan,had all the elements that I recommended, but made by P/M technique. I am unable to recall the brand,I will try and search for it.
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"The richer we have become materially, the poorer we have become morally and spiritually." Martin Luther King Jr
RE: How could I improve the lifetime of induction hardened cutting edges?
If wear/dulling is a problem , try 52100 or any high C tool steel (S series, O series, etc).
If cracking is a problem try Ni like 4360 or S series (shock resistant)tool steels.
RE: How could I improve the lifetime of induction hardened cutting edges?
Oh, I didn't take it personally at all. I just really thought by afford that you were literally referring to cost. If that was the case then the company would be paying anyway so no big deal to me. haha I appreciate your comments very much.
RE: How could I improve the lifetime of induction hardened cutting edges?
There isn't a problem as of now. This was just a hypothetical question really. I do agree though that nearly any steel would give an improvement. I will do some testing with the 4360 and S tool steel for comparison.
RE: How could I improve the lifetime of induction hardened cutting edges?
RE: How could I improve the lifetime of induction hardened cutting edges?
RE: How could I improve the lifetime of induction hardened cutting edges?
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Plymouth Tube
RE: How could I improve the lifetime of induction hardened cutting edges?
Super Thin Saws was bought by a coater with a new technology.
John Schultz, there, is a great tool guy. 1.800.541.7297
Try to get him if you can.
Stellite coating?
Louw De Jong
Stoody Deloro Stellite
604 463-2140
ldejong@stellite.com
Tru cut Saw does coating and knows an awful lot about cutting.
Tru-Cut Saw, Inc.
2903 Interstate Parkway
Brunswick, Ohio 44212 USA
Phone: 330-225-4090
Toll Free: 800-878-8761
Fax: 330-225-4741
E-mail: trucutsaw@trucutsaw.com
Tom Walz
Thomas J. Walz
Carbide Processors, Inc.
www.carbideprocessors.com
Good engineering starts with a Grainger Catalog.