Features of heat treatment of high-strength lean alloyed cold-resistant steel

Abstract

Mechanical characteristics of an alloy, used for manufacturing parts of heavy-duty machines, operating under conditions of dynamic and cyclic loads, should meet increased requirements. According to the concept of lean alloying, quality of an alloy and highest possible properties of a chemical composition are determined by the modes of heat treatment. Results of a study of quenching temperature effect on microstructure and properties of a new lean alloyed steel MAGSTRONG 450L having the following chemical composition, %, mass: 0.21 С; 0.23 Si; 0.96 Mn; 0.03 Cr; 0.41 Ni; 0.023 Ti; 0.0021 B presented. Smelting of ingots of a given chemical composition was carried out in a vacuum induction furnace ZG-0.06L. Reduction of ingots was carried out on a hydraulic press П6334 and on a single-stand reversing hot rolling mill 500 duo. The samples were heated in a ПКМ 3.6.2/12,5 chamber furnace. Best mode of the hardening heat treatment of sheet rolled product of steel MAGSTRONG H450L was established, ensuring forming of a mixed structure, comprising 80% of lath martensite and about 20% of high temperature lamellar martensite. Such a structure ensures maximum values of impact toughness KCV–40 = 38 J/сm2 at high strength parameters (tensile strength σв = 1514 МPa, offset yield strength σ0,2 = 1243 МPа, hardness 460 HBW) and satisfactory indices of plasticity (percent elongation δ50 = 16 %) which correspondents to requirements ТС 14-101-1034–2015. Based on results obtained, recommendations were elaborated for heat treatment of the sheet steel MAGSTRONG H450L, thickness 8–20 mm as per OJSC “BELAZ” order. Application of the obtained results of the study will enable to create and perfect the technological modes of heat treatment of alloys with similar composition.