Analysis of Microstructure Evolution of Co-Cr-Mo Alloy during Isothermal Forging

The article analyzes the microstructure evolution of Co-Cr-Mo alloy during isothermal forging. The process of isothermal forging can be a technological solution to produce a semi-finished product for subsequent deformation processing and obtain a high-quality microstructure that excludes casting defects. Based on analysis of microstructure and phase composition and calculations, the required modes of ingot homogenization are determined. Finite element method simulation of the forging has shown that temperature and deformation conditions make deformation in the single-phase gamma-region possible. However, at lower temperatures, sigma-phase particles may precipitate at the last steps of deformation. After isothermal forging and water quenching, a mixture of recrystallized and polygonized structures with an average grain size of 5-10 mu m and precipitation of ultra-fine dispersed particles of sigma-phase (similar to 0.13 mu m) at grain boundaries are formed. Isothermal forging in the temperature range of 1100-1200 degree celsius and at low strain rates of up to 1 s(-1) allows obtaining a microstructure without pores, cracks, and large inclusions. Thus, it makes it possible to use the forging billet for further deformation by different metal forming methods.