THE INFLUENCE OF THERMAL TREATMENT PROCESS ON THE STRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF STEEL

This study explores the effects of heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of steel. The research involved applying quenching and tempering processes to various steel samples. The microstructure before and after quenching was examined using the Oxion Inversion OX.2653 PLMi metallographic microscope. Hardness was measured using the THBRV-187.5DX testing device. The results show that cooling rate, heating temperature, and cooling media have a direct impact on the resulting structure. It was found that the formation of metastable structures such as martensite, sorbite, and troostite significantly improves the mechanical strength of steel