Effect of Tempering Process on Microstructure and Properties of NM400 Wear-resistant Steel
The tempering process involves heating the steel to a temperature below the critical point, followed by cooling at a certain rate to achieve a desired level of hardness, strength and toughness. The result is a material with improved properties such as improved ductility, toughness, and wear resistance.
Tempering of NM400 wear-resistant steel can result in a microstructure consisting of retained austenite (RA) and bainite (Ba), among others. These phases have a significant influence on the properties of the steel. Retained austenite is formable and has good toughness, but with low hardness. Bainite is relatively brittle but hard, and is beneficial for wear resistance.
The combination of RA and Ba gives NM400 wear-resistant steel its properties. The hardness of the steel increases with increasing bainite and decreasing retained austenite. The combination of RA and Ba also contributes to the wear resistance of the steel, as bainite increases the hardness of the steel and RA increases toughness.
The tempering process can affect the properties of NM400 wear-resistant steel in various ways. The hardness and wear resistance of the steel are primarily affected by the heating temperature and cooling rate during the tempering process. Lower heating temperatures and slower cooling rates result in higher levels of retained austenite, which reduces hardness but increases toughness and wear resistance. Higher heating temperatures and faster cooling rates, on the other hand, result in higher levels of bainite, which increases hardness but decreases toughness and wear resistance.
The effects of tempering on the microstructure and properties of NM400 wear-resistant steel
By controlling the tempering process, the desired combination of RA and Ba can be achieved. This combination of phases is necessary for NM400 wear-resistant steel to achieve the required combination of properties like hardness, toughness, and wear resistance for different applications.
In conclusion, the tempering process has great influence on both microstructure and properties of NM400 wear-resistant steel. By controlling the tempering process, the desired microstructure and properties can be achieved depending on the application. So, tempering plays an important role in improving the properties of NM400 wear-resistant steel.
Conatct us
