Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a forging die with improved wear resistance, hot-work tool steel is obtained in which Al is added as a de-oxidizing agent during manufacture of the hot-work tool steel in a sufficient quantity such that it is only partially consumed during the de-oxidizing process, leaving Al in a range of greater than 0.015 weight percent after the de-oxidizing process. The forging die is shaped from the hot-work tool steel. By a subsequent nitriding process, a hardened surface is created on the forging die by heating in a nitriding atmosphere by interaction with the Al to improve a hardened surface on the hot-work forging die resulting in an improvement in wear resistance.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a forging die with improved wear resistance, hot-work tool steel is obtained in which Al is added as a de-oxidizing agent during manufacture of the hot-work tool steel in a sufficient quantity such that it is only partially consumed during the de-oxidizing process, leaving Al in a range of greater than 0.015 weight percent after the de-oxidizing process. The forging die is shaped from the hot-work tool steel. By a subsequent nitriding process, a hardened surface is created on the forging die by heating in a nitriding atmosphere by interaction with the Al to improve a hardened surface on the hot-work forging die resulting in an improvement in wear resistance.

Abstract: The present invention comprises rice hull ash which is pelletized subsequent to its admixture with a bentonite clay binder. A preferred product according to the present invention is pelletized rice hull ash which contains both bentonite clay and organic cornstarch binders. The bentonite clay contains approximately 58-68% SiO.sub.2, 18-21% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 2.5-2.8% Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 /FeO, 2.5-3.2% MgO, 0.1-1.0% Cao, 1.5-2.7% Na.sub.2 O, 0.2-0.45% K.sub.2 O, and 4.5-9.0% free H.sub.2 O. Insulator pellets according to the present invention, when placed atop molten steel in ladles or tundishes, insulate well and do not smoke or generate unwanted dust.

Abstract: A steel plate product, and the method for producing same, wherein the plate, in thicknesses up to 4.0 inches, is characterized in the as-rolled condition by high strength, a uniform fine grain size, and good toughness at low temperatures. The processing techniques include among other features a modified controlled rolling practice.