Effect of casting and heat treatment on change in microstructure and mechanical properties in austenitic Hadfield steel

Abstract

Cast Hadfield steel is a material with high resistance to abrasion, provided, however, that it is used under the conditions of high dynamic loads. Typically, Hadfield steel starts with a harness value of 200HB after solution heat treatment and can reach values of over 600HB after work hardening. The above characteristics make it an ideal material for manufacturing casting components used in mining, crashing, drilling, steelmaking, naval, automotive and excavation applications. Manganese steel castings require a rapid water quench following the high temperature soak. A slack quench can reduce the toughness of the mterial dramatically. The mechanical properties of manganese steels are greatly enhanced by a fine grain size. Strength and ductility can be as much as 30% greater for fine-grained material. The refinement of the austenitic grain structure in Hadfield's Manganese Steel improves the weldability of the material, especially in cases where repair welding is required, in addition to enhancing the mechanical characteristics of the final products. This paper deals with the effect of heat treatment on casting process on the final properties of the Hadfield steel.