Abstract: Microstructure and properties of the forged high-speed steel roll produced by electroslag remelting, spray forming and powder metallurgy were investigated by means of metallographic microscope, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, Rockwell hardness tester and wear tester. The results show that there are obvious eutectic carbide network with large size and uneven distribution along the forging direction of the forged high-speed steel roll produced by electroslag remelting, which leads to the worst wear resistance. The carbide morphology of forged high-speed steel roll produced by spray forming is obviously improved, but the carbide segregation in local area is serious, the carbide size is large and mainly M₆C type, but its wear resistance is obviously improved compared with electroslag remelting process. Using the powder metallurgy technique, the microstructure and grain size of the forged high-speed steel roll are fine, the carbide is fine and evenly distributed and the MC type has the higher percentage, which leads to the highest wear resistance. Based on the analysis of the microstructure and properties, and also the maturity, economy and manufacturing capability of the three preparation processes at present, the spray forming process could be further studied in the future and enlarge the application in the forged high-speed steel roll with larger size.

Key words: electroslag remelting, spray forming, powder metallurgy, forged high-speed steel roll, microstructure and properties