Abstract: Method and apparatus for heating, cooling and stretching a metal specimen as it is being elongated, according to a temperature curve selected to provide a finished product having a predetermined microstructive, ultimate tensile strength, yield point and cross-section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the critical temperature at which Bainite is formed from a low carbon steel, and for forming a steel material with a predetermined percentage of Bainite. The temperature of low carbon steel is raised to a temperature above the critical temperature at which Bainite is formed. The temperature is then raised to the critical temperature and maintained at that level until a predetermined percent of the steel microstructure has changed to Bainite.A novel chain pump is disclosed for maintaining the steel at a selected temperature plateau.