An attempt was made to characterize microstructure, mechanical properties and cleanliness of continuous cast as rolled billets versus microstructure, mechanical properties and cleanliness of the forging in normalized condition, upset forged from AISI 41B30 modified chemistry billets. Two forgings were compared, one in as forged condition and one in normalized or heat treated condition. Upsets were produced by upsetting only one end of the billet by hydraulic press. Samples from cold portion of the forgings, near the flange location and from flanges were taken and examined. Results of microstructure, mechanical properties and hardness are presented. Normalizing cycle did not improve mechanical and impact properties. Low impact and ductile properties are results of Widmanstätten structure and continue to be present in the final product. Low impact and ductile properties of this structure might not be the best solution for dynamically loaded parts.

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