Influence of Cr and Nb on the Overlay Deposited on D2 Steel by Plasma Transferred Arc Process

Among the different surface treatments used to improve the wear resistance of metallic materials, plasma transferred arc (PTA) is an attractive alternative to conventional techniques due to the intrinsic properties of its higher deposition rate, lower heat input and especially for the wide applicability of materials. The wide range of materials makes it possible to produce metallurgical bonding between the hardfacing layer and substrate material with very low dilution and distortion. Weld deposits are characterized by less level of inclusions, oxides, discontinuities and wear resistance. Metal-mechanic industry continuously requires recovering tool steel components subjected to severe wear. In this research Fe-based filler metal was deposited on D2 steel by using plasma transferred arc (PTA) process. The influence of Cr and Nb on Fe-based filler metal microstructure was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In order to evaluate the mechanical properties were performed wear and hardness tests. The wear resistance and hardness values were compared with the results of a weld bead using nickel-based filler metal.