EFFECT OF QUENCHING AND TEMPERING PROCESS ON A MEDIUM C STEEL WITH LOW CHROMIUM AND MOLYBENUM ADDITION FOR FORGED COMPONENTS

Abstract

In this paper the effect of quenching and tempering (Q&T) thermal treatment on mechanical properties of a C-Mn steel with 0.22% Cr for forged components is studied. Due to the lack of any micro-alloying elements (such as vanadium or niobium) such steel can just reach mechanical target allowed by its intrinsic hardenability. Aim of this work is to evaluate the mechanical properties dependence as a function of different quenching and tempering treatments. Results show that, after Q&T, steel can reach a yield strength of 330 MPa combined with a -20°C fracture appearance transition temperature (50% FATT) measured with a Charpy-V impact test making this steel suitable for low temperature application.