Comparative Characteristics of Free-Machining Steels of Cr-Mo Type

The work investigates the properties of lead-free free-machining steel grade A30KhMAR, containing BN inclusions, in comparison with the base Cr-Mo steel 30KhM, lead-bearing AS30KhM, lead-calcium-bearing ASTs30KhM, calcium-bearing ATs30KhM, bismuth-calcium-bearing AVTs30KhM and tin-bearing AО30KhM. Effect of bismuth, calcium, lead, tin and boron nitride inclusions on steel susceptibility to temper brittleness and cold brittleness is studied. Contamination of steels with non-metallic inclusions is estimated. End-quench hardenability curves of the test steel A30KhMAR are obtained. Free-machining Cr-Mo structural steel, containing low-melting elements, has ASTM grain size of the number of 7–8. Hardenability and austenite grain size are satisfactory compared to the base steel 30KhM. Mechanical properties of the test steel in longitudinal direction (ultimate and proof stress, specific elongation, reduction in area, impact toughness, hardness) were also determined. It was found that bismuth, calcium, lead, tin, boron and nitrogen (in the form of boron nitride inclusions) within the studied limits do not have negative effect on mechanical properties of heat-treated ASTs30KhM, ATs30KhM, AVTs30KhM, A30KhMAR and AО30KhM steels, and the values of strength, plasticity and toughness characteristics satisfy the requirements of GOST standards for the base steel 30KhM and lead-bearing steel AS30KhM.