Understanding of Processing, Microstructure and Property Correlations during Spheroidizing Heat Treatment of 100Cr6 Steel

In the present study an investigation has been carried out for spheroidization of 100Cr6 bearing steel used in forging industry. Three different spheroidization processes were considered. The first one was the annealing of normalized steel under Ac1 temperature for a long time. The second one was the annealing of normalized steel above Ar1 temperature after heating between Ac1 and Acm for one hour. The third one was the annealing of hardened steel under Ac1 temperature for a long time. For evaluation of cold workability with different spheroidization annealing periods, the yield strength and percentage of reduction in area in uniaxial tension were recorded. The present results indicate that low alloyed carbon bearing steels can be easily processed to achieve unique microstructures and properties.