134

Introduction to Basic Manufacturing Processes and Workshop Technology

iron

1 60 0 A 1 50 0

F e + liq uid D t1 H J B L iq uid S olid S o lutio n crysta ls t3 (A u sten ite) t4 E A u sten ite -iron Fe +A uste nite ( + ) A3 11 30 S o lidu s A u sten ite + L ed eb urite A1 K A u sten ite + C e m e n tite L iq uid u s L iq uid + C e m e n tite F E u te ctic C e m e n tite + L ed eb urite

t2 1 40 0 -Iro n + A u sten ite 1 30 0 1 20 0 11 00 1 00 0 G 9 00 8 00 7 23 7 00 -Iro n Fe 6 00 5 00 4 00 3 00 2 00 1 00 0 Q 0 .8 1 2 H ypo H ype re ute ctoid e ute ctoid S tee l Fe + P e arlite P e arlite + C e m e n tite S o lidu s

Tem peratureC

A cm

S P 0 .02 5% C a rbo n E u te ctoid

C e m e n tite + P e arlite + L ed eb urite

C e m e n tite + L ed eb urite

4 4 .3

6 .7

C a st Iro n Carbon Percentage

Fig. 8.6

Fe-C equilibrium diagram

8.6.1.1 Austenite Austenite is a solid solution of free carbon (ferrite) and iron in gamma iron. On heating the steel, after upper critical temperature, the formation of structure completes into austenite which is hard, ductile and non-magnetic. It is able to dissolve large amount of carbon. It is in between the critical or transfer ranges during heating and cooling of steel. It is formed when steel contains carbon up to 1.8% at 1130C. On cooling below 723C, it starts transforming into pearlite and ferrite. Austenitic steels cannot be hardened by usual heat treatment methods and are non-magnetic.