SB1, Niolox, 1.4153.03

[Larrin]

I am looking for more information on this steel. It is claimed that it has a very small carbide size; however, the only micrograph given is of a completely different high speed steel. Is there a photo micrograph of SB1 showing small carbides, or is it only a theory?

Also, I am interested in anyone's heat treating experience, especially for high hardness (i.e. 62+ Rc).

I have searched through all of these forums but I have a hard time finding and learning because I don't speak German. I have worked with AEB-L and I'm looking for something with a little more wear resistance for some applications, but don't want to use CPM-154 (like RWL-34) or S30V because of the low edge stability and average at best toughness.

 

[lazedress]

Hi,

I would ask Jürgen Schanz, he sells this steel and hardens it, so I'm sure that he'll be able to help you

 

[Larrin]

I have spoken to him some, and don't have all of the information I want yet. Maybe I haven't asked the right questions.

 

[Fenrir]

Give AchimW a call, cause he "rediscovered" the 1.4153.03 for knifemakers.

He is a member of this Forum.

By the way, earlier this year i bought a sheet of cronidur from him.

 

[mark23]

Hi, Larrin!

I posted some pictures of a similar alloy that showed the size and structure of Nb carbides a few months (?) ago. Unfortunately I do not know in which thread ... I guess I will have to use the forum's search ... [EDIT: Here you go! (Thread title: 'RWL34 vs. 1.4153.03'). The alloy that I posted pictures of is not exactly SB1, however, the principles of forming Nb carbides in the melt are the same, so the actual carbides in SB1 should basically very much look the same.]

As for the high HRC heat treatment, yes, Achim is the right guy to answer that.
Cheers,
Lars

 

[Larrin]

Thanks for the info, Lars, I have e-mailed Achim. Do you ever check your hardness after quenching and/or after cryo? What austenitizing temperature and temper do you use to get 60 Rc?

 

[mark23]

Heat treatment of SB1/1.4153.03:

- preheat to 400°C and keep it there for appr. 1 min. per mm cross section
- heat up to 650°C and keep it there for appr. 1 min. per mm cross section
- austenise at 1.050°C, keep it there for at least 15 min.
- quench in oil (preheat oil to at least 70° C)
- cryo treatment in liquid nitrogen, keep submerged for at least 30 min.​

Tempering in an oven, let cool down in air

- tempering for 60 min. at 180°C without cryo yields 60 HRc, w/ cryo appr. 61 to 62 HRC.
- tempering for 60 min. at 300°C without cryo yields appr. 54 HRc, w/ cryo appr. 55 to 56 HRC.​

Hope that helps!
Cheers,
Lars

 

[Larrin]

Thanks Lars, this is exactly the kind of information I was looking for. If anyone else has any heat treating experience with the steel I would appreciate that as well.