Duplex surface modification of tool steel - deposition of a WN film and subsequent electron-beam modification

Abstract In this study, we demonstrate a combined treatment technique of R18 high-speed tool steel comprising deposition of a WN coating followed by electron-beam surface treatment (EBT). In order to understand the influence of the deposited WN coating on the resultant structure and properties, an uncoated specimen was directly electron-beam treated under the same EBT technological conditions. The structure of the specimens was studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The microhardness was also investigated. The phase composition consisted of a double phase structure of Fe and M6C carbides in both cases. The microstructure was significantly finer in the case of an EBT of the steel with WN coating, leading to a much higher microhardness in comparison with the case without WN.