Change of structure, microstructure and mechanical properties of steels after electron-beam quenching using new technology

Main principles and technological possibilities of a new method for electron-beam treatment are presented. The method lies in local-time high-frequency scanning of electron beam (surface-isothermal energy transfer). The method can be used for quenching of the band with up to 30(50) mm width and up to 1.5(2.0) mm depth of quenched layer. Changes of structure, microstructure and properties were investigated with the use of the following methods: surface sounding, light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray phase analysis, X-ray radiographic analysis of internal stresses, macrohardness, microhardness and recording hardness measuring. A study was made on the effect of parameters of electron-beam quenching of steel (S45, 55St1, S100.1, 90MnV8, 100ST6) basic state on quenched layer depth, surface relief, martensite morphology, residual austenite amount, austenite grain system, internal stresses, hardness profiles and determined hardness