Change of Structure and Mechanical Properties of R6M5 Steel Surface Layer at Electrolytic-Plasma Nitriding

In the article changes in the structure and mechanical properties of R6M5 steel surface layer after electrolytic-plasma nitriding are shown. The optimal mode of electrolytic-plasma nitriding of R6M5 high-speed steel in electrolyte based on carbamide, which allows saturation of the surface with nitrogen from low-temperature plasma and get the modified layer of high hardness and wear-resistance. It is established, that after electrolytic-plasma nitriding reduced R6M5 steel wear rate and increases its resistance to abrasive wear. Perspectivity of use an electrolytic-plasma nitriding method to improve performance cutting tools made from R6M5 steel is shown.