There is a high-performance pre-hardened steel that is widely used in various industrial applications which may include hot-work tools, dies, and molds. It has exceptional strength. It is also known for its toughness, and its wear resistance make it a very popular choice for demanding environments. However, to use this steel, maximize its performance, and achieve the desired properties, proper heat treatment is crucial.

Toolox 46 is a pre-hardened steel, which means it undergoes a specific heat treatment process during its production stage. This process gives the steel its high strength and hardness, eliminating the need for further heat treatment in most cases.

Pre-Hardening

The typical process for pre-hardening Toolox 46 involves the following steps:

High-Temperature Heating or Austenitizing:

The steel is heated to a specific temperature (around 830°C) above what is known as its transformation point which allows the microstructure of the steel to transform into austenite, which is a high-temperature, face-centered cubic crystal structure.

Rapid Cooling or Quenching:

The now austenitized steel is then rapidly cooled, typically in water or oil. Quenching in water or oil rapidly cools the heated steel, resulting in the formation of a strong and hard microstructure of martensite.

Tempering:

The quenched steel is then reheated to a lower temperature (around 580°C) to temper the martensite. It is heated again at a lower temperature in order to improve its toughness without sacrificing its strength or hardness.

Maximizing Performance Through Proper Heat Treatment

Although Toolox 46 comes already pre-hardened, there may be situations where additional heat treatment is required to achieve optimal performance. Such additional treatments could be necessary for:

Hardness adjustments: Depending on its intended use, Toolox 46 can be slightly hardened or softened through heat treatment.

Stress relief: Machining or welding can stress the steel, requiring heat treatment to prevent cracking or distortion.

Toughness restoration: Being exposed to high temperatures for a long time can reduce Toolox 46's toughness. Heat treatment can restore its toughness to optimal levels.

Important Factors to Consider

When additional heat treatment is being considered for Toolox 46, there are some factors that will need to be looked at:

Desired Hardness: The hardness of the steel will depend on what it is meant to be used for and how hard, durable, and wear-resistant it needs to be.

Previous Heat Treatment: It is important to find out if the steel has already been heat treated to avoid over-treating or under-hardening.

Heating Rate and Temperature: The temperature and speed of heating are important because will determine the steel’s desired structure and properties.

Quenching Medium: The chosen cooling method affects how fast the Toolox 46 cools and its final properties.

Tempering Temperature and Time: This final step determines the level of strength, toughness, and flexibility the steel will have.

For applications where a very high level of strength, toughness, and wear resistance is required, Toolox 46 is a very good choice. But, being able to help it achieve its full potential and its desired performance will depend on the heat treatment it receives.