Segregations in Steels during Heat Treatment – A Consideration along the Process Chain

Segregation is an unavoidable phenomenon in continuous or ingot casting of steel for thermodynamic reasons. If costly processes that explicitly reduce segregation are not carried out, the segregations remain until the final product. Therefore, an understanding of the development and effects of segregation along the entire process chain is necessary. The focus in this publication is on the treatment of segregations in low alloy steels. First, the characterisation of segregation is presented. An overview of the formation and development of segregations during primary shaping and forming processes is given. The focus is on segregation-related effects during heat treatment with regard to inhomogeneous microstructure and negative heat treatment results such as distortion or hardening cracks. In a short outlook, the influence of segregation on the component behaviour is described. ◼