Evaluation of CADI Low Alloyed with Chromium for Camshafts Application

Different processing routes have been developed to increase the strength and hardness of camshafts for automotive applications. In this work, two carbidic austempered ductile irons (CADIs), alloyed with 0.2 and 0.4 wt% Cr, were evaluated to determine their suitability in the camshaft production by microscopy techniques and mechanical tests. The CADIs were produced at austempering temperatures of 265 and 305 °C, during 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. The microstructural characterization was carried out by optical microscopy, while Rockwell C Hardness, tensile, Charpy impact, and block-on-ring wear loss tests were evaluated for mechanical characterization from the camshaft and standard keel block. The volume fraction of high-carbon austenite was determined for the heat treatment conditions by X-ray diffraction measurements. The process window was found in the range from 60 to 120 min, for both austempering temperatures, while the highest amount of ausferrite was obtained at 90 min. The formation of carbides was increased as the chromium content was increased. The highest hardness (49 HRC) and wear resistance (0.252 mm3) were obtained for the lower austempering temperature (265 °C, 90 min) and higher chromium content (0.4%). The highest austempering temperature (305 °C, 90 min) and lowest chromium content (0.2%) allow for obtaining the highest toughness (22.91 J) and elongation (4.2%), while the highest tensile strength (1027 MPa) was obtained for the CADI containing 0.2% Cr heat-treated to 265 °C.