Effect of Element Addition, Microstructure Characteristics, Mechanical Properties, Machining and Welding Processes of the Hadfield Austenitic Manganese Steel

Abstract

High manganese steel, also called Hadfield steel, is an alloy essentially made up of iron, carbon, and manganese. This type of steel occupies an important place in the industry. It possesses high impact toughness and high resistance against abrasive wear and hardens considerably during work hardening. The problem with this kind of steel is the generation of carbides at the grain boundaries after the casting. However, heat treatment at the high-temperature range between 950°C and 1150°C followed by rapid quenching in water is proposed as a solution to remove carbides and obtain a fully austenitic structure. Under the work hardening effects, the hardness of Hadfield steel increases greatly due to the transformation of the austenite γ to martensite ∈ or α and mechanical twinning, which acts as an obstacle for sliding dislocations. Hot machining is the only solution to machine Hadfield steel adequately without damage of tools or changing the mechanical characteristics of the steel. The choice of welding parameters is important to prevent the formation of carbides and obtain welded steel with great characteristics. This paper aims to give an overview about Hadfield steel, element addition effect, microstructure, heat treatments, work hardening, machinability and welding processes.