Non-Metallic Inclusions in 34Mn2V Steel (Forged Slow Cooling)
34Mn2V steel is one of the most widely used carbon-manganese quenched and tempered steels in the world due to its mechanical and physical properties, good weldability and exceptional fatigue strength. It is a medium-carbon pressurized steel with an excellent balance between strength and deformability. It is one of the few steels that offer both high tensile strength and good yield point.
However, despite its advantages, 34Mn2V steel is prone to the formation of certain non-metallic inclusions due to its complex manufacturing process. These inclusions can adversely affect the performance and durability of the steel. The most common non-metallic inclusions found in 34Mn2V steel are oxide and sulphide inclusions, as well as nodules, clusters and lamellar boundaries.
Oxide inclusions are introduced during the oxygen furnace processing of 34Mn2V steel and are usually flakes of iron oxide or alumina. Depending on the oxygen content of the steel and the nature of the oxide inclusions, they can cause various issues such as brittleness and welding problems.
Sulphide inclusions account for the majority of non-metallic inclusions in 34Mn2V steel. They are formed by the dissolution of sulphur-containing molecules in the steel during the forging process. Sulphide inclusions are normally found in the form of black spots or streaks which can affect the homogeneity of the steel and result in the formation of cracks or voids.
Nodules, clusters and lamellar boundaries are different types of non-metallic inclusions that are associated with 34Mn2V steel when it is forged slowly with reduced temperature. These inclusions can cause surface defects and impair the mechanical properties of the steel.
Although these non-metallic inclusions can cause various negative effects on 34Mn2V steel, their presence can be minimized through controlling the oxidization levels of the steel during the various stages of the manufacturing process. Furthermore, use of particle removal device systems can help to improve the quality of the steel by removing these non-metallic inclusions from the steel.
In conclusion, non-metallic inclusions in 34Mn2V steel due to its complex manufacturing process can affect the performance and durability of the steel. Although their presence cannot be avoided, it can be minimized by controlling the oxidization levels of the steel during the various stages of the manufacturing process and by using particle removals systems to remove these non-metallic inclusions.