EFFECT OF AUSFORMING ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF 12%Cr FERRITIC/MARTENSITIC STEEL

Effects of ausforming through upsetting at 890 °C and following tempering on microstructure and mechanical properties under uniaxial tension of 12CrWMoNbVB ferritic/martensitic steel are studied. Electron microscopic investigations along with elemental analysis of the steel samples in various states provided detailed information about subgrain structure and typical precipitates, the latter mainly М23С6 and NbC carbides. Strength and plasticity parameters (σ0, σb, δ) are examined and shown to enhance under applied thermomechanical treatment as compared to standard characteristics of the steel. Preferred treatment of the steel is preliminarily evaluated.