Effects of non-metallic inclusions on the mechanical properties of cast steel, especially elongation, reduction of area and impact value, were reported. From normal running melt 30 charges were extracted, which were molten by 2-ton electric arc furnace. The number of inclusion was measured in the test pieces cast in every charge, and the relationship between inclusions and mechanical properties was investigated. The quantitative determination of number and size of inclusion was carried out by means of the point-counting method with a microscope of 400 magnifications. Size of inclusion was divided into three classes in as-cast samples : >5
μφ, 3∼5
μφ and 3
μφ>. In samples forged into 13 mm from 30 mm diameter, inclusions were classified into undeformed granular inclusion and elongated inclusion, and the size of inclusion of the latter was divided into three classes: >15
μ 10∼15
μ and 10
μ>. Samples had chemical composition consisting of 0.19∼0.33%C, 0.25∼0.53%Si, 0.45∼0.60%Mn, 0.009∼0.022%S and 0.020∼0.037%P and were fully annealed under the same condition.
The results obtained were summarized as follows:
(1) More numbers of measurement in the cast samples was needed than in the forged samples; 90 in as-cast samples 60 in forged samples. Because the distribution of inclusions was not uniform in the as-cast samples.
(2) The number of inclusions over 5
μφ in as-xast samples was not related to elongation, reduction of area or impact value, but elongation and impact value tended to lower with the increase of number of inclusions under 5
μφ.
(3) The granular inclusions in forged samples were not connected with elongation, reduction of area or inpact value in forged samples, while the elongated inclusions were related in all sizes of inclusion.
(4) From the results of X-ray microanalysis, it is considered that the elongated inclusions are composed principally of (Fe, Mn) S type, and the granular inclusions mostly of SiO
2 type and partly Al
2O
3 type inclusion.
(5) From these results, it was found that the fine non-metallic inclusions lowered elongation, reduction of area and inpact value, and its effect was remarkable in the elongated inclusion, (Fe, Mn) S, while no effect of SiO
2 type inclusion was noticeable.
View full abstract