Characterising the condition of normalised forged and cast steels by combined non-destructive metallography and ultrasonic attenuation measurements

Because of the general price situation, considerable variation in the quali ty of large forgings and steel castings is currently being experienced thro ughout the sector, most especially in in the quality of the heat treatment. Test certificates to EN 10 204 sent with the deliveries are also proving t o be an unreliable guarantee of the quality of the product. The logical con sequence of this is the need for quick, cheap and effective methods of good s inwards inspection for such articles. This article describes a simple and effective method of testing the quality of the heat treatment of large for gings and steel castings. Using this method, at least in particular areas, deficiencies in the heat treatment of actual components, such as coarse gra in size, Widmannstatten microstructure and secondary banding, have repeated ly been identified.