EUROPEAN STEEL TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATION DAYS 2017 - ESTAD 2017

In this work, the use of a low-carbon steel AISI 1005 (Wr. N. 1.0303) is proposed as a substitute of CuZn39Pb3 brass in order to produce fashion accessories by hot forming. The heating process of the billets for hot forming has been carried out at 1050°C through a single heating step inside an induction furnace or by double step inside muffle and induction furnaces. The surface quality of the components has been evaluated after hot forming process by means of a quality indicator, as well as the process repeatability has been quantitatively estimated too. The microstructural characterization has been carried out by optical and scanning electron microscopy, while the grain structure and perlite distribution have been measured by means of an image analyzer. In general, different grain size and morphology are observed throughout the component, revealing different recrystallization and growth kinetics. Fine carbide precipitation is locally revealed in the material. Defects are observed in the final parts, such as cold shuts and oxide inclusion, due to improper design of die.