Metallurgical basis for thermomechanical processing of microalloyed steels

The fundamental metallurgy of thermomechanical processing (TMP) has become much better understood over the past decade. An appreciation of the driving forces and retarding forces has led to both a better understanding of exis ting practices and the development of new practices. Furthermore, the disti nction between plate and strip rolling, for example, has become better defi ned, quantified, and understood. This understanding has led to improved pro ducts, increased productivity, and better consistency. The information gene rated, first in plate and then in strip rolling, is slowly being adopted in the structural rolling and forging industries. Finally, the role of TMP ha s been extended, with the new ultralow carbon steels, to include the contro l of stabilisation reactions and texture development during rolling for dow nstream benefit in the cold mill. This paper reviews the basic physical met allurgy of TMP, discusses various aspects of alloy design, and presents ill ustrations of modern views of plate processing. (C) 2001 loM Communications Ltd.