Guia de Tratamento Térmico do Aço Ferramenta S1

S1 tool steel (1.2550, SKS41) is hardened by preheating to about 650°C (1200°F), austenitizing at 900°C to 955°C (1650°F to 1750°F), oil quenching to 50°C to 70°C, and tempering immediately while the part is still warm. As-quenched hardness runs about 57 to 59 HRC, and a double temper between 205°C and 315°C (400°F and 600°F) delivers the high toughness and shock resistance S1 is valued for. Rough-machined or cold-worked parts should be stress relieved before hardening.

Aço ferramenta S1 fornecido pela Aobo Steel

Aobo Steel supplies S1 tool steel (1.2550, SKS41) for shock-resisting applications. Send your required size, quantity, condition, and application for a quote.

Alívio do estresse

Stress relief prepares S1 components after rough machining or cold working, reducing the risk of distortion and cracking during hardening. Internal stresses from machining, if left in place, can cause severe microstructural or dimensional distortion once the part reaches hardening temperature.

  • Heating temperature: Heat uniformly to 650°C to 675°C (1200°F to 1250°F).
  • Soak time: 1 hour per 25 mm (1 inch) of thickness, with a minimum of 1 hour.
  • Resfriamento: Slow air cooling.

Pré-aquecimento

To prevent thermal shock and excessive deformation, cold S1 workpieces must never be placed directly into a furnace already at austenitizing temperature.

  • Heating temperature: Slowly raise the temperature to about 650°C (1200°F).
  • Soak: Hold until the cross-section is uniformly heated.

For parts with complex geometry or large variations in cross-section, preheating is critical. It synchronizes the temperature rise between core and surface during final heating, which lowers thermal stress and prevents cracking.

Austenitização (endurecimento)

Austenitizing is the core hardening step. Heating transforms the structure to austenite and dissolves carbides into the matrix. The austenitizing temperature for S1 must be neither too high nor too low.

  • Heating temperature: 900°C to 955°C (1650°F to 1750°F).
  • Hold time: 15 to 45 minutes, set by section thickness so the full cross-section through-hardens.
  • Atmosfera: Because S1 has only moderate resistance to decarburization, heat in a controlled neutral atmosphere, vacuum, or neutral salt bath to prevent surface oxidation and carbon loss.

Resfriamento

S1 is an oil-hardening steel. Water quenching is occasionally used for large or simple sections, but oil quenching is preferred for the best toughness and the lowest risk of cracking.

  • Quenching medium: Preheated, circulating quenching oil.
  • Procedimento: Quench until the workpiece reaches 50°C to 70°C (120°F to 160°F), at which point it is still warm.

Never let the part cool to room temperature before tempering. The as-quenched structure carries high internal stress, and delayed tempering leaves S1 highly prone to spontaneous brittle fracture.

S1 tool steel isothermal transformation diagram
S1 isothermal transformation diagram for a grade with C 0.50%, Mn 0.25%, Si 0.75%, Cr 1.25%, V 0.20%, W 2.50%, austenitized at 925°C (1695°F). Source: Uddeholm.

Têmpera

Temper immediately after quenching to restore toughness and ductility. Tempering converts the as-quenched structure to tempered martensite, and the temperature is set by the hardness required.

  • Soak time: At least 2 hours per 25 mm (1 inch) of section thickness.
  • Secondary tempering: A second temper is recommended to remove unstable retained austenite, improve yield strength and impact properties, and reduce the chance of later distortion or cracking in service.
  • Resfriamento: Cool to room temperature between the first and second temper.

Approximate hardness after oil quenching from 900°C to 955°C (1650°F to 1750°F):

Temperatura de têmperaDureza Aproximada (HRC)
Como temperado57 to 59
150°C (300°F)56 to 58
205°C (400°F)55 to 57
260°C (500°F)54 to 56
315°C (600°F)52 to 55
370°C (700°F)50 to 53
425°C (800°F)48 to 50
540°C (1000°F)40 to 45

For maximum toughness, as in chisels and heavy-duty punches, S1 is usually tempered between 205°C and 315°C (400°F and 600°F). Higher tempering temperatures can be used for warmer service conditions, but hardness drops significantly.

Common Heat Treatment Problems and Solutions

Quenching cracks

Two causes dominate. The first is delayed tempering, where the part sits at room temperature after quenching long enough for stress to exceed the material’s strength. The second is stress concentration at sharp corners, stamp marks, or rough-machined surfaces. Temper immediately, transferring the part to the tempering furnace while it still holds residual heat near 50°C to 70°C. At the design and machining stage, use rounded corners at critical junctions and keep surfaces to a high finish.

Baixa dureza

Common causes are surface decarburization from an improper austenitizing atmosphere, insufficient austenitizing temperature or hold time, and weak quenching from oil that is too hot or poorly agitated.

Deformação

Deformation usually comes from thermal shock caused by heating too quickly, or from residual machining stress released during heating. Preheat to 650°C before hardening, stress relieve rough-machined parts before quenching, and support long or complex parts to prevent sagging.

Decarburized soft layer

A soft surface layer forms when oxygen or moisture in the furnace reacts with surface carbon and carries it off as carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. A quick check is to draw a file across the surface; if it scratches easily, a soft layer is present. To prevent it, use a vacuum furnace or an inert-gas atmosphere (nitrogen or argon) to exclude oxygen, calibrate salt baths regularly to keep them neutral, and leave enough grinding allowance so the decarburized layer can be removed after heat treatment.

Need S1 tool steel for shock-resisting applications?

S1 tool steel (1.2550, SKS41) is used where high toughness and shock resistance are required. Send your required size, quantity, condition, and application for a quote.

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Perguntas frequentes

Qual é a temperatura de endurecimento do aço ferramenta S1?

A temperatura de aquecimento para austenitização deve estar entre 900 °C e 955 °C (1650 °F e 1750 °F). Mantenha essa temperatura por 15 a 45 minutos, dependendo da espessura da peça, para garantir o endurecimento completo.

Como realizar o alívio de tensões em aço ferramenta S1?

Aqueça a peça uniformemente a 650 °C–675 °C (1200 °F–1250 °F). Deixe atingir essa temperatura por 1 hora para cada 25 mm (1 polegada) de espessura (mínimo de 1 hora) e, em seguida, resfrie lentamente ao ar.

Qual é o método de têmpera recomendado para o aço S1?

O resfriamento em óleo é fortemente recomendado para garantir a tenacidade ideal e minimizar o risco de trincas. Realize o resfriamento em óleo pré-aquecido e em circulação até que a temperatura da peça caia para 50°C–70°C (120°F–160°F).

Como prevenir fissuras de têmpera no aço S1?

Após a têmpera, faça o revenimento da peça imediatamente, enquanto ela ainda estiver morna (50 °C a 70 °C); não a deixe esfriar até a temperatura ambiente. Além disso, certifique-se de que os projetos utilizem cantos arredondados em vez de pontos de tensão agudos.

Qual é o processo de revenimento do aço ferramenta S1?

Revenimento imediato após a têmpera, com um tempo mínimo de permanência de 2 horas por cada 25 mm (1 polegada) de espessura. Recomenda-se vivamente um revenimento secundário para obter a resistência ao escoamento e a resistência ao impacto ideais.

Qual a dureza que o aço ferramenta S1 pode atingir?

Após têmpera em óleo, o aço S1 normalmente atinge uma dureza de 57–59 HRC após a têmpera. O revenido a temperaturas entre 205°C (400°F) e 315°C (600°F) resulta em uma faixa de dureza de 52–57 HRC.

Por que o pré-aquecimento é necessário para o aço S1?

O pré-aquecimento a 650 °C (1200 °F) previne o choque térmico e a deformação excessiva. Ele garante o aquecimento simultâneo do núcleo e da superfície durante a etapa final, reduzindo a tensão térmica e o risco de fissuras em geometrias complexas.

Como evitar camadas moles ou descarbonetação no aço S1?

Aqueça o aço em um forno a vácuo, banho de sal neutro ou atmosfera neutra controlada para evitar a oxidação superficial. Caso ocorra descarbonetação, deixe uma tolerância suficiente para remover a camada afetada por esmerilhamento após o tratamento térmico.