JFE(015-03)Method of Prior Austenite Grain Refining Using Induction Hardening.pdf

4Abstract: A technique for obtaining ultra-fi ne prior austenite grain in the high frequency induction quenched portion for automotive parts was developed for increasing strength. The prior austenite grain size greatly depended on the maximum heating temperature of the induction quenching and the addition of Mo. Choosing maximum heating temperature of above Ac3 and adding up to 0.4 mass% of Mo make the prior austenite grain remarkably fi ne. The prior austenite grain size obtained was about 3 μm. The tensile properties of the induction quenched portion showed the tensile strength of more than 2 000 MPa and the elongation of more than 10%. The strength/ductility balance of the high frequency induction quenched por- tion is superior than that of conventional quenched and tempered steel. 1. Introduction Global warming is now recognized as a serious social problem. The causes of this phenomenon are not limited to emissions from factories; CO2 emissions from automobiles are also one major factor. In responding to this issue, improvement of automobile fuel consumption by weight reduction is extremely important, and unit sales of high fuel economy vehicles are increasing1). Reduction of the weight of automobile drive system parts, which is termed “unsprung weight,” is consid- ered an effi cient approach to improving fuel economy and thereby reducing CO2 emissions by automobiles. “Unsprung weight” is the total of the weights of the con- stant velocity joint, drive shaft, hub, propeller shaft, dif- ferential gear, and related parts. The essential mechani- cal properties required in these parts are static torsional strength, torsional fatigue strength, rotating bending fatigue strength, and thrust rolling contact fatigue strength. This paper reports on the development2) of a tech- nique for obtaining an ultra-fi ne prior austenite grain size (hereinafter, prior γ grain size) in the induction quenched portion using a technique which is applicable t