Abstract: A method for manufacturing an austempered ductile cast iron and a product made from the austempered ductile cast iron manufactured by the method are disclosed. In the method for manufacturing an austempered ductile cast iron, spheroidizing agent and primary inoculant are added to a raw molten metal to create homogeneous spheroidal graphite creation in a deep part of a matrix and the raw molten metal to which the spheroidizing agent and the primary inoculant are added is injected into a mold to which secondary inoculant is locally applied, to micronize spheroidal graphite of a local structure coated with the secondary inoculant into fine graphite that is easy to machine, thereby enhancing workability as compared with a conventional austempered ductile cast iron.

Abstract: Methods for forming carbon-based lubricious and/or wear-protective films in situ on the surface of steel alloys are provided. The methods use chromium-containing steel alloys, molybdenum-containing steel alloys, and steel alloys that contain both copper and nickel. When such alloys are subjected to a rubbing motion in the presence of a hydrocarbon fluid, the chromium, molybdenum, copper, and nickel in the steel alloy catalyzes the formation of solid carbon-containing films that reduce the friction, wear, or both of the contacting surfaces.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a brake element, in particular a brake disk or brake drum, which has a friction portion and a fastening portion, wherein a blank for at least the friction portion is produced by a casting method from gray cast iron with lamellar graphite, wherein the blank is subjected to austenitizing at a predefined austenitizing temperature, and wherein the austenitized blank is subjected to austempering at a predefined austempering temperature. The friction portion and the fastening portion is produced in one piece, and that the fastening portion is produced with a wall thickness of at least 1.5 and at most 4.5 mm.

Abstract: The steel pipe according to the present disclosure contains a chemical composition consisting of, in mass %, C: more than 0.50 to 0.65%, Si: 0.05 to 0.50%, Mn: 0.05 to 1.00%, P: 0.025% or less, S: 0.0050% or less, Al: 0.005 to 0.100%, Cr: 0.30 to 1.50%, Mo: 0.25 to 3.00%, Ti: 0.002 to 0.050%, N: 0.0010 to 0.0100% and O: 0.0030% or less, with the balance being Fe and impurities. The steel pipe contains an amount of dissolved C within a range of 0.010 to 0.060 mass %. The tensile yield strength in the axial direction and the circumferential direction is 862 to 1069 MPa, and the yield ratio in the axial direction is 90% or more. The tensile yield strength in the circumferential direction is 30 to 80 MPa higher than the compressive yield strength in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of an alloy that can be resistant to cracking. In some embodiments, the alloy can be advantageous for use as a hardfacing alloys, in both a diluted and undiluted state. Certain microstructural, thermodynamic, and performance criteria can be met by embodiments of the alloys that may make them advantageous for hardfacing.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for improving fatigue strength that is capable of improving the fatigue strength of cast iron, specifically spherical graphite cast iron, to the same level as that of carbon steel subjected 10 carburizing and quenching. To this end, this method contains a step for performing first, second and third shot peenings using shot of a prescribed diameter for each on spherical graphite cast iron on which a tempering heat treatment has been performed at 150-300° C. and tensile strength made to be 800 MPa or more, the spherical graphite cast iron containing the following elements in the following mass percentages: C=2.0-4.0%, Si=1.5-4.5%, Mn=2.0% or less, P=0.08% or less, 8=0.03% or less, Mg=0.02-0.1%, and Cu=1.8-4.0%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method that has been developed to obtain good toughness and homogeneous properties through heavy sections in tool steels or likely highly alloyed steels. The microstructure attained is mostly bainitic. The method is especially good for hot work tool steels in applications demanding heavy sections and very high toughness. The method consists on the application of a low temperature bainitic transformation to tool steels presenting a low enough martensite transformation temperature (Ms). Additionally or alternatively cementite is replaced from the bainite by other finer carbides, mainly mixed carbides containing elements with stronger affinity for carbon than iron. The method is especially simple if applied to steels with high contents of Si or Al (>1.3% and >0.4% respectively) where cementite growth is impaired. The method works also well for low cost plastic injection moulding and structural steels. Even some higher alloyed tool steels can benefit from, the present method.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with a class of metal alloys with advanced property combinations applicable to metallic sheet production. More specifically, the present application identifies the formation of metal alloys of relatively high strength and ductility and the use of one or more cycles of elevated temperature treatment and cold deformation to produce metallic sheet at reduced thickness with relatively high strength and ductility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of heat treating a cast iron having graphite particles, in particular a cast iron having graphite nodules with a substantially spherical geometry. The method comprises the step of subjecting the cast iron to a first austenitizing temperature, in order to obtain a cast iron having an austenite matrix with a substantially homogeneous carbon content. Subsequently, at least part of the cast iron is subjected to at least a second, different austenitizing temperature in order to change, in at least part of the cast iron, the carbon concentration in a part of the matrix surrounding the (spherical) geometry of the graphite particles. The method yields improved controllability on strength properties characteristics for cast irons including malleable irons, in particular for ductile iron.

Abstract: Method for austempering at least one part of a work piece, which method comprises the steps of: a) heating at least one part of the work piece to an initial austenitizing temperature (T1); b) subjecting said at least one part of the work piece to one or more austenitizing temperatures (T1 . . . T1n) for a predetermined time to austenitize it; c) quenching said at least one part of the work piece; d) heat treating said at least one part of the work piece at one or more austempering temperatures (T2 . . . T2n) for a predetermined time to austemper it; e) cooling the at least one part of the work piece; whereby at least one of the steps a) to e) is/are at least partly carried out under Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) conditions.

Abstract: The invention discloses a process and apparatus for micro-treating an iron-based alloy including heating and immediately quenching to room temperature to produce high tensile iron-based alloy with varying thicknesses. The process may or may not be practiced with or without tension under various controllable tensions in order to create desirable effects The micro-treated iron-based alloy contains desirable bainite to increase its formability and tensile strength. The varying thickness of the iron-based alloys is desirable for different applications, such as forming automobile panels.

Abstract: A novel FeMnAlC alloy, comprising 23˜34 wt. % Mn, 6˜12 wt. % Al, and 1.4˜2.2 wt. % C with the balance being Fe, is disclosed. The as-quenched alloy contains an extremely high density of nano-sized (Fe,Mn)3AlCx carbides (??-carbides) formed within austenite matrix by spinodal decomposition during quenching. With almost equivalent elongation, the yield strength of the present alloys after aging is about 30% higher than that of the optimally aged FeMnAlC (C?1.3 wt. %) alloy systems disclosed in prior arts. Moreover, the as-quenched alloy is directly nitrided at 450˜550° C., the resultant surface microhardness and corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl solution are far superior to those obtained previously for the optimally nitrided commercial alloy steels and stainless steels, presumably due to the formation of a nitrided layer consisting predominantly of AlN.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing mechanical components made of spheroidal cast iron, comprising the following steps: —providing a casting of a mechanical component made of cast iron having a structure which is at least partially ferritic and has a carbon content ranging from 2.5% to 4.0% and a silicon content ranging from 2.0% to 3.5%; —bringing the cast iron casting having an at least partially ferritic structure to a temperature for partial austenitizing which is higher than the lower limit austenitizing temperature (Ac1) and lower than the upper limit austenitizing temperature (Ac3) for a time required to obtain an at least partially austenitic structure; —performing a thermal treatment for isothermal hardening at a temperature ranging from 250° C. to 400° C. in order to obtain a matrix which has at least partially a pearlitic-ferritic or perferritic structure.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing at least one part of a device for mounting directly or indirectly on an arm of an earth-moving or material-handling machine, such as an excavator, tractor, harvester, forwarder or crane, whereby the device enables coupling and/or positioning (tilt and/or turn) of a tool (14), such as a bucket, grapple, fork, vibratory compactor or harvesting head, relatively to the arm of the machine. The method includes the steps of: a) forming a melt including unalloyed or alloyed ductile iron, b) casting at least one part of a device from the melt, c) allowing the at least one part of the device to cool, d) austenitizing the at least one part of the device, e) quenching the at least one part of the device, f) austempering the at least one part of the device, and g) allowing the at least one part of the device to cool.

Abstract: A ferrous seal sliding part excellent in heat crack resistance, seizure resistance and abrasion resistance is provided. The ferrous seal sliding part has a seal sliding surface, wherein the seal sliding surface has a quench hardened layer having a structure in which a martensite parent phase forms a solid solution with carbon of 0.15 to 0.6 wt % and contains cementite dispersed therein in a content of 3 to 50% by volume.

Abstract: Method for austempering at least one part of a work piece, which method comprises the steps of: a) heating at least one part of the work piece to an initial austenitizing temperature (T1); b) subjecting said at least one part of the work piece to one or more austenitizing temperatures (T1 . . . T1n) for a predetermined time to austenitize it; c) quenching said at least one part of the work piece; d) heat treating said at least one part of the work piece at one or more austempering temperatures (T2 . . . T2n) for a predetermined time to austemper it; e) cooling the at least one part of the work piece; whereby at least one of the steps a) to e) is/are at least partly carried out under Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of making ferritic ductile iron castings (60-40-18) with high toughness (6 ft.lb minimum Charpy V at ?20 F and 10 ft.lb minimum Charpy V at +72 F), without adding Nickel and without annealing.

Abstract: A method of forming gray iron components includes applying a substantially uniform magnetic field to gray iron. The method also includes heat-treating the gray iron while the gray iron is within the magnetic field.

Abstract: An alloy composition of FeaBbSicPxCyCuz. Parameters meet the following conditions: 79?a?86 atomic %; 5?b?13 atomic %; 0?c?8 atomic %; 1?x?8 atomic %; 0?y?5 atomic %, 0.4?z?1.4 atomic %; and 0.08?z/x?0.8. Or, parameters meet the following conditions: 81?a?86 atomic %; 6?b?10 atomic %; 2?c?8 atomic %; 2?x?5 atomic %; 0?y?4 atomic %; 0.4?z?1.4 atomic %, and 0.08?z/x?0.8.

Abstract: A process for producing a semi-solidified slurry of an iron alloy including the steps of pouring a melt of an iron alloy into a semi-solidified slurry producing vessel 30 and cooling the melt therein to obtain a semi-solidified slurry having a crystallized solid phase and a residual liquid phase, wherein a hypoeutectic cast iron composition is used as a material, a melt of the composition is poured into the semi-solidified slurry producing vessel 30 in a predetermined amount at a time, a temperature of the melt when poured into the semi-solidified slurry producing vessel 30 is controlled to be not lower than a crystallization initiation temperature of the composition and not greater than a temperature that is 50° C. higher than the crystallization initiation temperature, and a cooling rate of the melt poured into the semi-solidified slurry producing vessel 30 is controlled not to exceed 20° C. per minute.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing mechanical components made of spheroidal cast iron, comprising the following steps: -providing a casting of a mechanical component made of cast iron having a structure which is at least partially ferritic and has a carbon content ranging from 2.5% to 4.0% and a silicon content ranging from 2.0% to 3.5%; -bringing the cast iron casting having an at least partially ferritic structure to a temperature for partial austenitizing which is higher than the lower limit austenitizing temperature (Ac1) and lower than the upper limit austenitizing temperature (Ac3) for a time required to obtain an at least partially austenitic structure; -performing a thermal treatment for isothermal hardening at a temperature ranging from 250° C. to 400° C. in order to obtain a matrix which has at least partially a pearlitic-ferritic or perferritic structure.

Abstract: A valve guide of alloyed gray cast iron comprising from about 3 to about 3.5 wt. % carbon, about 0.2 wt. % phosphorous maximum, from about 0.35 to about 0.75 wt. % molybdenum, from about 1.8 to about 3 wt. % silicon, from about 0.6 to about 1 wt. % manganese, from about 0.8 to about 1.5 wt. % chromium, balance essentially iron, is heat treated by austenitizing, quenching, and tempering, to obtain a Rockwell C hardness from about 35 to about 45. The microstructure comprises at least about 3% intercellular carbide in a matrix of tempered martensite. Such valve guide exhibits improved wear resistance during use in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An iron-based high-silicon alloy contains (in weight percent) 2.6-3.5% carbon, 3.7-4.9% silicon, 0.45-1.0% niobium, up to 0.6% manganese, up to 0.02% sulfur, up to 0.02% phosphorus, up to 0.5% nickel, up to 1.0% chromium, up to 0.1% magnesium, and the balance iron and up to 0.2% of other elements. The alloy is heat resistant and is suitable for use in producing, among other things, turbochargers, center housings, back plates, exhaust manifolds, and integrated turbo manifolds that are used in the automotive and truck manufacturing industries.

Abstract: A ferrous seal sliding part excellent in heat crack resistance, seizure resistance and abrasion resistance is provided. The ferrous seal sliding part has a seal sliding surface, wherein the seal sliding surface has a quench hardened layer having a structure in which a martensite parent phase forms a solid solution with carbon of 0.15 to 0.6 wt % and contains cementite dispersed therein in a content of 3 to 50% by volume.

Abstract: A method for the heat treatment of workpieces made of steel or cast iron involves quenching the workpiece to a temperature above the martensite starting temperature (i.e., the temperature below which martensite is formed) after a holding period at or above the austenitizing temperature. In the ensuing time period, austenite is transformed into bainite. The temperature of the workpiece is reduced during the time period when transformation occurs and the transformation of austenite into bainite is thus continued.

Abstract: A method of forming gray iron components includes applying a substantially uniform magnetic field to gray iron. The method also includes heat-treating the gray iron while the gray iron is within the magnetic field.

Abstract: Low carbon carburizing (surface hardening) and higher carbon through hardening steels primarily containing molybdenum, vanadium and nickel and, to a lesser amount, chromium used for rolling contact bearings, gears and other similar applications where high hardness at elevated temperatures is required. The alloy steel includes, in % by weight: 0.05% to 1.25% C; up to 1.25% Cr; 0.40% to 4% Mn; up to 4.0% Mo; up to 2.0% V; 1.0% to 3.0% Ni; 4% to 8% (Mo+V+Ni+Cr); less than 0.20% Si; and balance Fe plus incidental additions and impurities. The method for providing a steel having improved hardness at elevated temperatures includes the steps of: (a) providing an alloy including, in % by weight: less than 1.25% Cr, 0.4% to 4% Mn, up to 4% Mo, up to 2% V, 1 to 3% Ni, 4% to 8% (Mo+V+Ni+Cr), less than 0.2% Si, a C content selected from one of 0.05% to 0.40% C defining a carburizing steel or greater than 0.40% to 1.

Abstract: A nitrogen trapping agent is added by a metering hopper to raw materials, which are melted and poured into a mold cavity of a metal mold device (18). The molten metal is then cooled and solidified into a casting (B). Before the molten metal is fully cooled and solidified, free nitrogen present in the molten metal is quickly trapped by the nitrogen trapping agent, producing a nitride. Then, a chilled structure generated in the surface layer of the casting (B) is decomposed by heating the casting (B). Finally, the heated casting (B) is machined into a camshaft (A) which is a cast iron member as a final product.

Abstract: An iron-based alloy comprises 1.5 to 2.5 wt % of C, 0.25 to 4.75 wt % of Ni, and W and V in quantities surrounded by the line L as shown in FIG. 1 of the attached drawings with a balance of Fe and inevitable impurities. The iron-based alloy is obtained by a first heat treatment for applying a solid solution treatment by rapidly cooling the iron-based alloy from a temperature of an austenite forming temperature or more to consequently obtain a mixed matrix comprising a base matrix of martensite and remaining austenite phases and a non-molten carbide, and a second heat treatment for cooling the iron-based alloy after precipitating an MC type carbide within an eutectoid transformation temperature range to consequently precipitate a low carbon content austenite phase.

Abstract: A machinable austempered cast iron article has improved strength, machinability, fatigue performance, and resistance to environmental cracking. A method of making the machinable austempered cast iron article includes austenitizing an iron composition having a substantially pearlitic microstructure in an intercritical temperature range of between 1380° F. and 1500° F. This produces a ferritic plus austenitic microstructure. The ferritic plus austenitic microstructure is quenched into an austempering temperature range of between 575° F. and 750° F. within 3 minutes to prevent formation of pearlite. The ferritic plus austenitic microstructure is then austempered in the austempering temperature range of between 575° F. and 750° F. to produce a microstructure of a continuous matrix of equiaxed ferrite with islands of austenite. Finally, the microstructure of the continuous matrix of equiaxed ferrite with islands of austenite is cooled to ambient temperature to produce the machinable austempered cast iron article.

Abstract: A steel wire, 0.10-0.40 mm in diameter, obtained by subjecting a high-carbon (0.70-0.90 wt. %) steel wire material to heat treatment and wire drawing, wherein its tensile strength and test values of special repeated torsional tests satisfy a predetermined relation; and a method of manufacturing the same. A high strength steel wire which has so high a ductility as to substantially prevent the wire from being broken even during wire twisting, and which rarely encounters a decrease in the ductility even after the wire has been subjected to age hardening by heating, is obtained, and a method of manufacturing the same is economical.

Abstract: A process for making an iron-based casting alloy is performed by combining an iron-carbon-chromium system with primary carbides of vanadium, niobium, titanium, or combinations thereof without eutectic carbides of vanadium, niobium and titanium. Eutectic chromium carbides (M7C3) are also formed without primary chromium carbides. Proeutectic austenite can also be formed in the alloy.

Abstract: A process for producing a compacted graphite iron (CGI) article, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a CGI base iron having a composition comprising, in weight percentages, about 3.2 to 3.8 total C, 2.8 to 4.0 Si and the balance at least Fe and incidental impurities; (b) treating, controlling and casting the alloy in a manner known per se; (c) allowing the cast component to cool in the mould to a temperature of at least 775° C.; (d) cleaning the casting in a manner known per se and machining the casting to produce a finished article.

Abstract: A cylinder liner for high temperature, high performance engine applications is cast from gray iron material and thereafter austempered for a time sufficient to achieve a substantially bainitic microstructure that is stable against excessive thermal growth when the liner is exposed to extreme operating temperatures of about 450° F. for an extended period of time of about 20 hours.

Abstract: A method of producing a corrosion resistant ferrous product is disclosed. The product is produced by rolling a heated billet which comprises a mass of mild steel swarf in a stainless steel jacket. Two reducing agents are present in the jacket when the billet is heated. The first reducing agent is in the form of powdered aluminum, titanium turnings or other metal having a greater affinity for oxygen than chrome and which promotes the formation of CO rather than CO2 from air or oxygen which enters or evolves in the billet above about 800° C. The second reducing agent is in gaseous or vapour form substantially below that temperature. The second reducing agent may be provided by premixing with the swarf such substances as ammonium chloride or urea, which dissociate to form reducing gases when heated. Alternatively, the billet can be heated in a reducing furnace and the gas in the furnace may act as the second reducing agent.

Abstract: An iron-based casting alloy and a process for making the alloy are provided by combining an iron-carbon-chromium system with primary carbides of vanadium, niobium, titanium, or combinations thereof without any eutectic carbides of vanadium, niobium and titanium. Eutectic chromium carbides (M7C3) are also formed without any primary chromium carbides. Proeutectic austenite can also be formed in the alloy.

Abstract: An iron-based alloy comprises 1.5 to 2.5 wt % of C, 0.25 to 4.75 wt % of Ni, and W and V in quantities surrounded by the line L as shown in FIG. 1 of the attached drawings with a balance of Fe and inevitable impurities. The iron-based alloy is obtained by a first heat treatment for applying a solid solution treatment by rapidly cooling the iron-based alloy from a temperature of an austenite forming temperature or more to consequently obtain a mixed matrix comprising a base matrix of martensite and remaining austenite phases and a non-molten carbide, and a second heat treatment for cooling the iron-based alloy after precipitating an MC type carbide within an eutectoid transformation temperature range to consequently precipitate a low carbon content austenite phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing objects of cast iron containing compacted (vermicular) graphite crystals, by preparing a cast iron melt having substantially a carbon content at the desired final level and a silicon content below the desired final value, so that the equilibrium temperature (TE) for the reaction between carbon and SiO2 falls near 1400° C., and adjusting the temperature of the melt (TM) to a value between the equilibrium temperature (TE) and the “boiling temperature” (TB), to allow absorption of oxygen by the melt to a level exceeding the desired level at the time the melt is poured into a mold, adding the required amount of silicon, and thereafter reducing the oxygen content by addition of magnesium or magnesium containing material, preferably a FeSiMg-alloy to an oxygen level of 10 to 20 ppm oxygen in liquid solution, and forming particles of magnesium silicates as well as cast objects obtained by the method.

Abstract: In producing an Fe-based member, an Fe-based material comprising 0.6% by weight≦carbon (C)≦1.0% by weight silicon (Si)<2.2% by weight 0.9% by weight≦manganese (Mn)≦1.7% by weight 0.5% by weight≦nickel (Ni)≦1.5% by weight and the balance of iron (Fe) including inevitable impurities, is subjected, at a first step, to a thermal treatment at a heating temperature T1 set in a range of TS<T1<TL wherein TS represents a solidus temperature of the Fe-based material and TL represents a liquidus temperature, and under a cooling condition set at a quenching level. At a second step, the resulting Fe-based material is subjected to a thermal treatment at a heating temperature T2 set in a range of Te1<T2<Te2 wherein Te1 represents a eutectic transformation starting temperature and Te2 represents a eutectic transformation finishing temperature, and for a heating time t set in a range of 60 min≦t≦180 min.

Abstract: A thixocast casting material is formed of an Fe—C—Si based alloy in which an angle endothermic section due to the melting of a eutectic crystal exists in a latent heat distribution curve and has a eutectic crystal amount Ec in a range of 10% by weight<Ec<50% by weight. This composition comprises 1.8% by weight≦C≦2.5% by weight of carbon, 1.4% by weight≦Si≦3% by weight if silicon and a balance of Fe including inevitable impurities.

Abstract: A modified nodular cast iron alloy contains positive additions of boron and silicon in a content of greater than 2.4% by wt.

Abstract: The invention concerns a wear-resistant camshaft and a method of producing the same. Objects in which the application of the invention is possible and useful are all cast-iron parts which are subject to wear as a result of lubricated friction. The wear-resistant camshaft consists of cast-iron and it has a surface layer consisting of a ledeburitic remelted layer with a high cementite portion, and, lying thereunder, a martensitic hardening zone, whereby according to the invention. a. the remelted layer consists of finely dispersed ledeburitic cementite with thicknesses of ≦1 &mgr;m and a metallic matrix of a phase mixture of martensite and/or bainite, residual austenite, as well as less than 20% finely laminated pearlite with a distance of ≦0.1 &mgr;m between the lamelias, and b. the hardening layer is formed from a phase mixture of martensite and/or bainite, partially dissolved pearlite, and residual austenite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bainitically hardened brake disk comprising at least one ring-shaped cast disk (1) body with radially extending ring sections in contact with brake shoes (2). Said brake disk is mounted on the hub of a bicycle wheel (5) for braking purposes. In order to avoid noise emissions and vibrations, the inventive disk is made of cast iron, is highly tough and has a low weight. The aim is to avoid the disadvantages of combining disk brakes with an aluminium wheel hub. The inventive disk is characterized in that it has a thoroughly bainitically hardened body (1) made of cast iron with lamellar graphite (AGI), the brake disk is designed as a single piece and is linked to the wheel hub (5) through composite casting by forming a positive material fitting joint (15) in the area where the hub (5) is connected to the base (3) of the disk.

Abstract: The present invention produces an Fe-based member having a high Young's modulus and a high toughness. In producing an Fe-based member, a first step and a second step are sequentially carried out. At the first step, an Fe-based material comprising 1.5% by weight≦C≦2.5% by weight 1.4% by weight≦Si≦3.5% by weight 0.9% by weight≦Mn≦1.7% by weight 0.5% by weight≦Ni≦1.5% by weight, and the balance of Fe including inevitable impurities is subjected to a thermal treatment at a heating temperature set in a range of TS<T1<TL and under a quenching condition, wherein TS represents a solidus temperature of the Fe-based material, and TL represents a liquidus temperature.

Abstract: Austempered ductile iron castings having primary iron carbides uniformly dispersed throughout an ausferritic matrix, and methods of making the same, are described. The dissolution of the primary iron carbides into the ausferritic matrix during the austempering process is prevented or lessened by altering the chemical composition of the ductile iron, employing a stabilizing agent, by altering the processing parameters of the austempering process, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A method for heat-treating a component of steel or cast iron, particularly a through hardening bearing steel component, involves heating the component to the austenitization temperature and holding the component at the austenitization temperature to achieve austenitization, rapidly quenching the component to approximately the martensite starting point (MS temperature) and holding the component at the bainite transformation temperature until partial bainite transformation occurs. After partial bainite transformation, the component is cooled down to and briefly held at room temperature, followed by short-cycle tempering.

Abstract: An abrasion-resistant material is constructed from gray iron alloyed with 0.30 to 0.70% phosphorous. The high phosphorous cast iron alloy is heat treated for approximately 120 minutes to an austenitizing temperature of about 1600.degree. F. Next, the alloy is austempered for approximately 180 minutes at about 580.degree. F. The resulting abrasion-resistant structure is an acicular ferrite in stable austenite (ausferrite) with islands of a non-continuous, broken network of steadite of approximately 8 to 10% by volume, which has a material hardness of 280 to 330 BHN.

Abstract: A process for austempering ductile iron includes austenitizing a ductile iron casting of low alloy content followed by quenching the workpiece for a controlled period of time in a quench medium such as water, an aqueous polymer solution or a medium speed quench oil. The workpiece is then austempered in an air tempering furnace, resulting in a ausferrite microstructure essentially free of pearlite and martensite, and with mechanical properties meeting ASTM designation A897-90 "Standard Specification for Austempered Ductile Iron Castings." The process eliminates the need for a molten salt bath for quenching and tempering.

Abstract: A method for producing a brake component involves providing a cast gray iron rotatable brake component where the gray iron has a carbon content between 3.4% and 4.0%. The brake component is subjected to an austempering heat treatment process. Then it is subjected to a re-tempering process to provide a microstructure which consists of spheroidized pearlite carbon in a matrix of bainitic and austenitic ferrite.

Abstract: Uniformly distributed compressive stresses are induced in the machined surfaces of brake drums and brake rotors. The compressive stresses cancel residual tensile stresses induced in the surfaces by machining operations during fabrication. Cancellation of the surface tensile stresses delays formation of cracks during brake service use and extends the service life of the brake drum or rotor. Shot peening is an applicable prestressing process which also imparts a surface roughness that reduces the time required to burnish bake pads to match the shape of the drum or rotor surface. The reduction of burnishing time reduces the amount of surface cracking caused by surface heating by brake pad high spots as the high spots are ground down.