An Approach to Micro Segregation Level and Presence of Quench Cracks in Medium Carbon Low Alloy Steels

Samples from forged and heat-treated steel products with known quench crack histories have been mapped in order to study a possible relation between banding segregation and quench cracking. The products were medium carbon low alloy steels produced by ingot and continuous casting. EDS X-ray mapping was used to characterize the banding pattern and tensile testing revealed corresponding properties. The experimental procedures are described in the paper along with test results and conclusions.