Resource-saving preparation of the 38KHGNM steel surface for heading of automobile components

To produce high-quality fasteners for motor group components of automobiles it is necessary to follow the increased requirements to calibrated rolled stock in terms of surface defects. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to study the reasons, types and depth of the surface defects on the calibrated rolled stock from steel 38KHGNM Ø 12.0 mm on the basis of the metallographic analysis. Before cold upsetting, the hot-rolled products are subjected to metal flow and removal of unacceptable surface defects by means of expensive turning operation during which the screw cuts and cracks might appear. It has been defined, that the hot-rolled stock from steel, grade 38KHGNM, diameter 12.0 мм has nonuniform mechanical properties, grooves, laps and partial decarburization on the surface. The heat treatment of the rolled stock with a decarburized layer on the surface contributes to its further decarburization. Poor alignment of calibrated stock during its turning at the turning machine does not enable to completely remove the decarburized layer with minimum skinning of rolled stock. It has been shown that the use of rolled stock from steel 38KHGNM with surface defects and unreasonably high decarburized layer on the surface increases its rejection by 8% and raises the consumption of rolled stock for manufacturing of important fasteners for the motor group of automobiles