STUDY OF PLASMA SINTERING VARIABLES FOR FERROUS MATERIALS APPLIED IN TOOLS
Plasma Sintering, AISI M2, High speed Steel
Plasma assisted sintering is the procedure in which the compacted powder is subjected to a glow discharge of ionized gas which, when interacting with the surface of the part, allows the heating and consolidation of the particulates. Plasma sintering methods can produce materials with high degrees of performance, under highly reductive atmospheres and fine temperature control. These are fundamental characteristics required in the sintering of AISI M2 steel, an important steel used in the cutting tool industry. In this work, the plasma sintering of AISI M2 steel is studied, also exploring the advantages that can be added to the high speed steel (HSS) matrix with the use of cobalt or tantalum as secondary elements. Initially, the characteristics and properties of plasma sintering were investigated in the treatment reactor available at the Plasma Processing Laboratory (UFRN). The initial tests are made using AISI 316L steel and provide important answers regarding the use of atmosphere, temperature, electric current and working pressure in the reactor. The effects of the working conditions on the properties of the sintered parts are analyzed in order to improve sintering procedures. Finally, the working conditions for the plasma sintering of the AISI M2 steel are determined for the later phases of the work.