1Cr5Mo (quenched at 960°C, tempered at 180°C) metallographic diagram

This is the metallographic structure of X1Cr5Mo (960 ℃ quenching, 180 ℃ tempering). After quenching and tempering, the matrix microstructure of X1Cr5Mo steel mainly consists of tempered martensite and graphite, and a small amount of free ferrite.

The tempered martensite appears as lath or strip-shaped, intermediate lath shape, needle-shaped, and cluster shape. Generally, the range of hardened martensite block size is from several micron to several ten micron. The harder matrix parts have the lath-shaped more inclined planes; while the parts with lower quenching intensity, it can be needle-shaped or intermediate lath shape. With wider tempering range, the hardness of matrix decreases, the block size of martensite decreases, the lath or strip shaped structure becomes smaller and finer, and the volume fraction of graphite increases.

The graphite in the X1Cr5Mo steel consists of ferrite and pearlite. The pearlite is mainly composed of lamellar and nodular morphology, while the ferrite is mainly granular. The graphite size ranges from tens of micrometers up to hundreds of micrometers, although its size range varies with different quenching and tempering conditions. Graphite in austenite has higher strength and toughness, more plasticity and is less prone to crack.

The free ferrite in this steel also has a certain amount of distribution when quenching and tempering. It mainly appears in the form of granular or short strip-shaped, and its size range is from several microns to several tens microns. The portion of free ferrite decreases with increased tempering temperature, and increases with increased cooling rate.

In conclusion, the matrix microstructure of X1Cr5Mo steel after quenching and tempering consists of tempered martensite, graphite, and a small amount of free ferrite. The average grain size of the tempered martensite ranges from several microns to several tens microns; graphite is composed of ferrite and pearlite, its size range is from tens of micrometers up to hundreds of micrometers; Free ferrite is mainly granular or strip-shaped, its size range is from several microns to several tens microns. The portion of free ferrite decreases with increased tempering temperature and increased cooling rate.

The image depicts a micrograph of a GCr15Mo material sample, which was heat-treated at 960°C before being tempered at 180°C. The micrograph shows that the material consists mostly of transformed martensite, which often appears as distorted, flake-like structures. The austenite dispersion appears to be gradual and uniform, which indicates that the heat treatment was successful. The pearlite grains have a fine, equiaxed structure and can be seen distributed throughout the matrix.

The overall morphology of the micrograph is indicative of a successful tempering process. By tempering the material at 180°C, a more homogenous and stable structure was achieved. The combination of martensite and pearlite effectively strengthened the material and reduced its sensitivity to thermal cycling and fatigue.

Finally, the micrograph reveals well-defined boundaries between the various microstructural features, which indicates high levels of metallurgical cleanliness and sound workmanship. It is likely that the material was well-prepared, with minimal inclusions or impurities present.

In summary, the micrograph of the GCr15Mo material reveals that the heat treatment and tempering was successful and produced a well-structured, homogenous, and reliable material with low levels of inclusions and impurities.