INFLUENCE OF COOLING RATE ON THE OCORRENCE OF RETAINED AUSTENITE IN A STEEL FOR WELDING ELECTRODES

The effect of cooling rate on the occurrence of retained austenite in a low carbon Si-Mn steel, used for welding electrodes, is measured here by combining the sectioning of Jominy test samples with the measurement of retained austenite by X-ray diffraction. It was observed that the amount of retained austenite increases from zero, as the cooling rate is less than 0.8°C/s, and the structure is mostly ferrite, to a maximum of 6%, where the quantity of bainite is also maximum. This information guides the post-rolling cooling cycle when welding grade is been rolled. The hard phases proportionality with the amount of retained austenite allows, then, the use of X-ray diffraction as an end of the line equipment for quality control, and also permits simplification of heat treatment before wire drawing