Abstract
Microhardness of nitrated and carbonitriding in electrolyte plasma steel Р6М5 surface layers are investigated in the research. It shows perspectiveness of the cutting tool electrolyte-plasma treatment technology. Operating conditions for the technology realization are defined. It was also indicated the desired content of components in saturating mixtures by nitriding and carbonitriding. Comparative research of structure, phase composition of fast-cutting P6M5 steel modified surface layers after electrolyte plasma treatment was carried out by scanning-electron and light microscopy, and X-ray structure analysis methods. The way of electrolytic plasma nitriding in cathodic mode, to provide fast-cutting steels which allows for modification the surface and high kinetic efficiency the process diffusion saturation. It was established that as a result of nitriding and nitrocarburizing in plasma electrolyte has been a significant increase in microhardness in the surface layers of steel Р6M5.