THERMOMECHANICAL TREATMENT OF MACHINERY STEELS

The direct hardening of anti-friction bearing rings of steel grade 100 CrMo 7 3 from the ring rolling heat and the use of bainitic-martensitic steels for the manufacture of crankshafts illustrate the possibilities of shortening the production sequences, of improving the mechanical-technological properties and of saving both energy and raw material. An inquiry with steel producers and users has revealed that although thermomechanical processes are in fact currently applied, the actual possibilities are by far more manifold, as shown by a classification of the various thermomechanical processes. The willingness of the industry to introduce thermomechanical treatment exists. The application of this process ist to be promoted by a joint working group of steel producers and steel users.