20CrMnMo (quenching and tempering after carburizing) metallographic diagram

20CrMnMo Material is a Low/Medium Carbon Alloy Steel

20CrMnMo is a low/medium carbon alloy steel. It is widely used in the automotive, construction and marine industries. It has a low carbon content (0.20%) and a very high strength-to-weight ratio, which makes it highly desirable in vehicle and structural applications.

After heat treatment, 20CrMnMo material becomes more amenable to machining and it can be used for parts requiring increased strength and/or wear resistance, such as gears and shafts. During the heat treatment process, 20CrMnMo material must undergo carburizing, quenching and tempering in order to obtain its desired properties.

Carburizing is the process of introducing carbon into the substrate in order to create a thin shell of hard material. This is usually done by heating the steel in a furnace to a high temperature and then introducing carbon-rich materials into the furnace. The carbon diffuses into the steel, and the hardness and strength of the steel increase as a result.

Quenching is the process of cooling the steel quickly to a lower temperature. This increases the hardenability of the steel and makes it more difficult to deform or bend after being hardened.

Tempering is the process of heating the steel to a lower temperature and then cooling it at a controlled rate in order to create a more ductile, tough material. This reduces the hardness and strength of the steel, but increases its resistance to impact and wear.

After undergoing carburizing, quenching and tempering, 20CrMnMo material is often used for a variety of different applications, such as crankshafts, connecting rods, camshafts, drive shafts, gear train components and general machinery parts. It is a very versatile alloy steel and is well-suited for high-stress, temperature-sensitive components.

In summary, 20CrMnMo is a low/medium carbon alloy steel that is widely used in the automotive, construction and marine industries. It has a low carbon content (0.20%) and a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it highly desirable for vehicle and structural applications. When heat treated, 20CrMnMo material undergoes carburizing, quenching and tempering, which yields a tougher, stronger and more wear-resistant steel. This alloy is commonly used for crankshafts, connecting rods, camshafts, drive shafts, gear train components and general machinery parts.

20CrMnMo steel is a medium carbon, low-alloy steel that exhibits high strength and wear resistance after it has been carburized and heat treated. The carburization process involves introducing the steel to a source of carbon molecules, which build up on the surface, producing a strong and hard case. The heat treatment process involves heating the steel above its critical temperature, a temperature at which the metal transforms from its ferritic to austenitic microstructure, to relieve stresses and increase resilience. After cooling, the steel is tempered to regain its original form. In the heat-treatmented 20CrMnMo steel, grains become smaller and better distributed, creating an even and finer microstructure. Beyond increasing the wear and scratch resistance of the steel, the heat treating process improves the impact and fatigue capabilities. The resulting microstructural features of this steel are more uniform, which can enhance the strength, wear, and fatigue performance. The ultimate strength and hardness of the steel can reach up to 1100 MPa and HRC60. These values make 20CrMnMo a good choice when high strength and wear resistance are needed in applications. The 20CrMnMo steel is often used in construction of engineering equipment and parts, such as vehicle gearboxes, shafts, and other components.