The Influence of Heat Treatment Parameters on the Microstructure and Hardness of High-Chromium Alloy Steel X46Cr13

This study presents the results of research on the influence of heat treatment parameters-namely, temperature, holding time, and quenching medium (air, water, oil)-on the microstructure and hardness of high-chromium alloy steel X46Cr13. The research included hardening heat treatment of X46Cr13 steel, hardness measurements, and microstructural analysis using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), supported by EDS chemical composition analysis. Based on the conducted studies, it was found that increasing the austenitizing temperature and time results in higher hardness of the X46Cr13 high-chromium alloy steel, regardless of the quenching medium used. Due to the negligible influence of the quenching medium on the hardness of the steel under the analyzed heat treatment conditions, air hardening is recommended, as it reduces quenching-induced stresses compared to water quenching.