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The Basics of Ferrous Metallurgy

102 Articles

Iron and Its Interstitial Solid Solutions

Steels form perhaps the most complex group of alloys in common use. Therefore, in studying them it is useful to consider the behavior of pure iron first, then iron-carbon alloys, and finally examine the many complexities which arise when further alloying additions are made.
Pure iron is not an easy material to produce. However, it has recently been made with a total impurity content not exceeding 60 ppm (parts per million). Iron of this purity is extremely weak: the resolved shear stress of a single crystal at room temperature can be as low as 10 MPa, while the yield stress of a polycrystalline sample at the same temperature can be well below 150 MPa.

Lean Alloy Steels

Rising prices of certain alloying elements such as nickel and molybdenum have driven recent work on lower priced replacements for austenitic stainless steels.
Progress has been made in finding suitable replacements but there are some key open questions remaining regarding the performance of the materials in specific applications.

Malleable cast iron

Malleable cast iron is a specialized iron-carbon alloy characterized by its unique heat treatment process and resulting mechanical properties. This article comprehensively examines two primary variants: whiteheart and blackheart malleable cast iron. These types differ in their chemical composition, annealing processes, and resulting microstructures.

Manganese Sulphide Inclusions in Steel: Part One

Non-metallic inclusions, particularly manganese sulphide (MnS), significantly influence steel properties with dual effects. While sulphur enhances machinability, it simultaneously compromises critical service properties including forgeability, ductility, toughness, weldability, and corrosion resistance. This article explores how MnS inclusions form during solidification, their classification into three distinct morphological types, and their impact on mechanical properties.

Maraging Tool Steels

Superior properties, such as high ductility, high yield stress, good hardenability, good weldability, simple heat treatment without deformations, have led to a widespread application of maraging steels, not only in the manufacturing of diverse construction components, but also in the manufacturing of molds, i.e. for processing of polymers, for pressure casting, etc.

Martensitic (MART) Steels

Martensitic (MART) steels are part of the important group of Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS) steels, which are specifically engineered to meet the challenges of today’s vehicles for stringent safety regulations, emissions reduction, solid performance, at affordable costs.
Due to the precise processing and quenching stages post forming, MART steels show the highest tensile strength level of all multiphase steels.