Recent Developments Concerning the Properties of Cast Steels

Abstract

Abstract The properties of a number of low-alloy cast steels have been determined from production heats, hence the values obtained represent the values normally expected in the manufacture of steel castings. The cast low-alloy steels, in general, have slightly higher hardenability and strength and slightly lower ductility than wrought steels of similar composition, on heat-treatment. In this paper property ranges for strength and ductility are given for cast steels receiving different heat-treatments. The depth of section to which cast steel will harden can be estimated by the employment of the end-quench hardenability test. This test was used to study a number of carbon and alloy cast steels. It was found that the hardenability values of cast steels are similar to those of wrought steels of comparable analyses and grain sizes. Hardenability curves for typical carbon cast steels are given and hardenability bands for a number of low-alloy cast steels are illustrated. All degrees of hardenability, shallow- to deep-hardening, may be attained by the proper selection of cast steels. Studies on notched-bar impact specimens of cast steel revealed that by varying the structure of a single cast steel by heat-treatment, it is possible to change the low-temperature notched-bar impact values of the steel. Based upon the results of the investigation, it is concluded that no one alloy cast steel produces the best impact resistance, for all types of heat-treatments, at all testing temperatures. Alloy cast steels demonstrate excellent notched-bar impact properties at low-temperatures, which make them ideal for low-temperature-service applications.