Abstract
The paper presents results of microstructure and mechanical properties of the dual phase (DP) steel plate with 12 mm thickness produced by intercritical annealing at a two-phase region of ferrite and austenite (α + γ) and direct quenching in water. In addition the tempering treatment at temperature of 650°C was applied to investigate effect of martensite softening on mechanical properties of the tested steel. The parameters of heat treatment were designed to achieve the high strength while retaining optimum impact strength of the DP steel.