Elementary Metallurgy and Basic Heat Treating for Carbon and Alloy Steels

At a glance..

This compilation of resources covers a wide range of topics including classification of steel, effects of alloying elements, effects of residual elements, properties of carbon steel, theory of heat treatment, hardening steel, heat treating, definition of most-used terms, and more miscellaneous 'good-to-know' stuff on blacksmithing.

The details..

Elementary Metallurgy and Basic Heat Treating for Carbon and Alloy Steels is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the science behind steel production. The book provides a detailed overview of the Unified Numbering System (UNS) used by organizations such as ASTM E 527, SAE J 1086, American Iron & Steel Institute (AIAL), American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Readers will learn how this system uses four or five digit numbers to classify different types of steel based on their characteristic allowing elements or alloys.

The second part of the book focuses specifically on tool steels which have their own unique classification system. This section explains seven major groups into which these steels are classified along with one or more letter symbols assigned to each group. The author then delves into detail about various grades within each group including wear resistance levels, toughness ratings, red hardness values etc.

Readers can also expect an insightful discussion on how alloying elements affect steel production processes as well as end product performance characteristics like strength, ductility etc., depending upon microstructure formation during heat treatment cycles. For instance; while increasing carbon content increases strength it reduces toughness in pearlitic steels but raises hardness level in iron-carbon martensite up until around .6% carbon content.

Overall Elementary Metallurgy And Basic Heat Treating For Carbon And Alloy Steels offers readers valuable insights into what goes into making high-quality metal products that can withstand heavy use over time without breaking down quickly due to fatigue failure modes caused by improper material selection or processing techniques.