A review of selected steel-related factors controlling distortion in heat-treatable steels

The best method of catering for distortion is to allow for the inevitable d imensional movement in components prior to heat treatment, an approach whic h requires the changes to be very consistent This paper discusses material- related aspects, highlighting areas needing consideration for consistency. It encompasses examples of dimensional changes in heat treatment, reviews c auses, and assesses the considerable work being undertaken to develop model s able to predict distortion.