3. Structure refining

The only way to really refine the structure of tool steel products is to act on crystallization, i.e. to seek to reduce the segregation of alloying elements and carbon during solidification. The main means employed are

• devices used in conventional metallurgy :

  • ingot mould vibration,

  • stirring,

  • inoculation ;

• slag and vacuum remelting processes, which are currently widely used to produce alloyed tool steels and high-speed steels;

• prealloyed powder metallurgy, in the field of high-alloy steels (high-carbon cold tool steels and high-speed steels).