Abstract: A process for the finishing of hard chromium plated products which consists of polishing followed by friction finishing with an organic compound which contains abrasive particles. The organic compound consists of fatty acids derived from either animal or vegetable sources. The abrasive particles consists of oxides of aluminum, silicon, chromium, titanium, magnesium, or silicon. Nitrides or carbides of these metals could also be used as abrasive agents. This friction finishing compound is applied using specific pressure and surface velocity under dry conditions, and the product which results from using this technique has improved corrosion resistance and improved surface finish.

Abstract: A process for the annealing of hypoeutectoid steels wherein a steel is rapidly heated to a temperature above the upper transformation temperature of the steel to convert the steel to austenite and carbides, followed by cooling of the steel. The rate of heating of the steel is such as to cause dissolution of most of the carbides in the austenite thus formed, thereby leaving small particles of undissolved carbide in an amount sufficient to serve as nuclei for the precipitation of upper transformation products on cooling. Steels processed in accordance with the process of this invention are characterized by improved ductility and toughness as well as good machinability characteristics.

Abstract: A process for the energy efficient heat treatment of steels wherein a steel workpiece is rapidly heated to a temperature above the A.sub.3 temperature of the steel to convert the steel to austenite, the workpiece is then rapidly quenched in a liquid quench medium to convert the austenite to a predominantly martensitic microstructure, and the steel is then tempered by rapid heating while the workpiece is under tension, the tempering serving to convert the steel to a tempered martensitic form. The present invention virtually eliminates the problem of quench cracking and minimizes quench distortion as well as providing a finished product with improved uniformity, improved surface quality, and improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of cold finishing of metals wherein a metal workpiece having a repeating cross section is advanced between a plurality of pairs of rollers and is driven through a die or cutting tool. The apparatus includes entry vee guides, a gimbaled die or cutting toolholder, special dies, and a special exit guide. The method results in bars having the usual cold finished qualities of accurate size, smooth surface finish, and uniform shape with the added quality of uniform residual stresses.

Abstract: A method for strengthening of carbon and low alloy steels and steels produced thereby wherein a carbon or low alloy steel is partially austenitized to produce a ferrite-austenite mixture, the resulting ferrite-austenite mixture is quenched to an intermediate temperature to render the austenite metastable, with the quenching being at a rate sufficient to avoid transformation of the austenite to ferrite and pearlite, and working the quenched steel at a temperature up to the maximum temperature at which bainite can exist whereby the ferrite-austenite mixture is converted to a ferrite-bainite mixture having high levels of machinability, strength and toughness.

Abstract: A process for the strengthening of carbon steels wherein a hypoeutectoid carbon steel workpiece, preferably in the shape of a rod or a bar, is rapidly heated to a temperature completely within the austenite region at a rate sufficient to minimize grain growth of austenite grains, the resulting austenitized steel workpiece is quenched to transform the steel to a fine mixture of acicular proeutectoid ferrite and a finely divided eutectoid aggregate of ferrite and iron carbide, followed by working at a temperature ranging up to the critical lower temperature to strengthen the steel. The process of the invention provides a drastic increase in both strength and ductility as compared to untreated steels such as those obtained by hot rolling.