Distortion of components during heat treatment has a significant effect upon final component costs. The factors which influence distortion behaviour occur during the machining and heat treatment processes and are therefore outside the control of the steelmaker. One important factor which is under the control of the steelmaker is hardenability —Consistent hardenability performance can have a significant effect in reducing the variability in distortion. In a number of instances it has been shown that the macrostructure and as-cast shape of the steel can also influence distortion. Other downstream processing effects such as forging may also be influential in these circumstances. This paper gives examples of some of the experiences of British Steel Engineering Steels with customers and cad users, and refers to relevant published work.
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