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The objective of this study was to perform damage analysis of SCM435 high-tension bolts connecting upper and lower parts of a three-stage injection molding machine.

Damage material used in this study was a SCM435 high-strength bolt connecting upper and lower molds of a three-stage injection mold. Causes of damage were determined by macroscopic observation. Microstructure observation was done using a metallic microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM, S-2400, HiTachi, Japan), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS, Kevex Ltd., Sigma) and Vickers hardness tester (HV-114, Mitutoyo). Fatigue limit of the damaged material was evaluated using equivalent crack length.

Bolts were fractured by cyclic bending stress in the observation of ratchet marks and beach marks. The damaged specimen showed an acicular microstructure. Impurity was observed. Chromium carbide was observed near the crack origin. Both shape parameters of the Vickers hardness were similar. However, the scale parameter of the damaged specimen was about smaller than that of the as-received specimen. Much degradation occurred in the damaged specimen. Bolts should undergo accurate heat treatment to prevent the formation of chromium carbide. They must prevent the action of dynamic stresses. Bolts need accurate tightening and accuracy of heat treatment. Screws require compression residual stress due to peening.

This study conducted failure analysis of damaged SCM435 bolts connecting upper and lower parts of the three-stage injection mold. Fatigue limit of the damaged material was evaluated using equivalent crack length. In order to control this fracture, accurate tightening of bolts, accuracy of heat treatment and screws are required for compression residual stress due to peening.