Nuclayer 2000 Anti-scale question

C

Cornwallis

Joined
Apr 22, 2022
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I’ve noticed when using Nuclayer 2000 anti-scale on 1084 test coupons that hardness is reduced an estimated 3-4 Rockwell points (Rockwell files and skate test with a Nicholson course bastard file). I used .140“ 1084 from AKS (Alpha) and soaked at 1500 for 10 minutes. The oven was equalized for at least 30 minutes before soaking the coupon. I heat treated a blade today with the same steel, thickness and procedure without the Nuclayer, and I’m pleased with the hardness. It seems the Nuclayer would be fine for doing Normalization and DET anneals, but I don’t think I will be using it for heat treating. The Nuclayer was applied very thinly and I used Parks 50 to quench. What gives? Do other anti-scale compounds do the same thing?

Thanks,
Scott
 
Did you grind the coupon clean before testing? No anti scale is perfect and you will still get some decarb that needs ground off. Did you grind the sample that you didn’t apply the no scale? Also how thin are you applying it and how are you applying it?
 
Also for 1084 I’d bump your temp down to 1475, 1500 is a bit hot for that steel and the drop in hardness could have nothing to do with clay or no clay it could just be inconsistent hardness because of the hotter temp or small sample size.
 
I filed off a thin layer of decarb. The Nuclayer sample was still noticeably softer. It still hardened, just not as much. I applied the product with a foam brush per the product instructions, a thin layer. I’m thinking maybe the clay somehow slows down the quench just a little bit. I know 1084 needs a pretty fast oil. Maybe the clay is insulating the steel a little bit and slowing the quench. It’s not a big deal, I’m just curious.

I have made a few 1084 blades at 1475 like you said. They turned out fine. I figured I’d try 1500 since I‘ve seen others, including Larrin Thomas, use that temp. It’s my first oven. Before I was using a coffee can forge (made a few decent blades with that and some duds). So I’m still in the learning process with the oven.
 
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I’ve not personally had this issue with the nuclayer even on steels like W2 that are significantly more shallow hardening than 1084. Hopefully someone else will chime in, but keep in mind that Rockwell files are a relative test and one with a wide range between each file. I’d try making a few more sample and make sure to grind them completely clean to removed the decarb then test and see if you are getting consistent or inconsistent results.
 
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