The Overheating & Burning of Steel

Abstract

The term "overheating" has been loosely used in the past to indicate the structure associated with austenitic grain growth, for instance the precipitation of ferrite in a Widmanstatten pattern. In view of the temporary nature of the effects of this phenomenon it is desirable to differe-ntiate it from overheating as described below, the effects of which are persistent. Inferior mechanical properties of a steel resulting from coarse austenite grains can be improved by hot working and grain refining treatments. The effects of overheating and burning, on the other hand, are difficult to remove. Burning may damage the steel beyond resuscitation;it may also impair the forging properties of the steel.