Borosulfocarbonitriding of Cutting Tools in Electrolyte Plasma

The use of electrolytic deposition for hardening cutting tools from high-speed steel R6M5 is considered. The composition of the electrolyte is chosen so as to provide the formation of a composite borosulfocarbonitride layer on the cutting tool (cathode). A distinctive feature of the suggested saturation technique is the formation of an ionized gas atmosphere heated to 950°C around the cathode (the treated tool) due to the high current density. As a result, a diffusion layer 0.1 mm thick forms on the surface of the tool in a very short time (50 – 90 sec). Due to the short duration of the discharge the tool has no time to soften. The phase composition of the surface layer provides high hardness and wear resistance of the tool.