Block Mould Heat Treatment and Hardness Verification

Block mould hardness verification needs a defined material condition and inspection plan. A hardness number is meaningful when its test method, measurement location and acceptance requirement are known. Start with the component specification, then confirm whether the supplied steel or finished part requires additional treatment or inspection.

Confirm the actual material condition

Processing instructions depend on the selected steel. For example, the SSAB Hardox 450 datasheet states that this grade is not intended for further heat treatment. That restriction belongs to the named material; it is a reason to check the actual supplier guidance, rather than apply one heating procedure to every mould component.

Use a defined inspection method

TWI's hardness-testing guidance explains how surface preparation, test load, specimen thickness, measurement position and equipment condition affect readings. Choose a method suited to the inspected area and material specification. Keep the stated hardness scale with every result so that the values are interpreted correctly.

• Identify the component, drawing revision and material batch on the inspection record.
• State the test method, measurement locations and agreed acceptance range, including any specified hardened-layer requirement.
• Record the results and any follow-up examination needed when a reading falls outside the agreed limits.

Review the complete result

Check hardness evidence alongside the required dimensional and surface inspections. Resolve unusual results before accepting the affected component. The inspection record should show what was tested and against which requirement, rather than using an isolated hardness figure as proof of the complete mould's performance.