Abstract: A method of estimating mechanical hardness of a steel by the measurement of a plurality of magnetic parameters of the steel, comprises the steps of estimating for each parameter one or more probable hardness ranges by reference to a stored set of hardness ranges and associated parameters and combining these estimates to provide an estimate of the hardness range. Preferably three parameters are measured and these may be coercivity, power loss and permeability. These parameters may be measured simultaneously.

Abstract: A method for producing a non-silicon steel for electro magnetic applications includes the steps of producing a vacuum de-gassed steel melt containing less than 0.025% by weight of carbon, between 0.1% and 1.0% of manganese, between 0.01% and 0.15% phosphorus, not more than 0.02% of sulphur, not more than 0.007% of nitrogen, with titanium within the range of 0.05% to 0.25%, the reminder being iron, except for incidental impurities, hot rolling slab derived from the melt, using a finishing temperature within the range 900.degree. C. to 950.degree. C. and coiling the resulting hot rolled strip at a temperature of not less than 700.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for producing non-oriented steel for electromagnetic applications comprises hot rolling a steel containing a nitride/carbide former and coiling the hot band at a temperature of not less than 680.degree. C. before cold reduction and annealing in a non-decarburizing atmosphere.