Abstract
It was shown in the previous paper that grain refining by Induction Heating austenitizing and Quenching (IHQ) is effective for the improvement of mechanical properties of Si-Cr spring steel (SUP12). However, it was also shown that Induction Heating Tempering (IHT) as well as grain refining by IHQ plays an important role for superior mechanical properties of Induction Heating Quenched and Induction Heating Tempered (IHQIHT) material.
So, in this report the independent effect of IHT on strengthening and toughening of SUP12 is investigated.
(1) IHT is effective for the improvement of ductility, toughness, fracture toughness, resistivity to delayed fracture, and fatigue life apart from the effect of grain refining by IHQ. In case of SUP 6, SUP 7, SWRH62B and S45C, IHT materials show toughness generally superior to that by the ordinary tempering.
(2) Shorter time and higher temperature heating as well as rapid heating in IHT are effective for strengthening and toughening.
