Due to their impressive mechanical properties, high-strength steel plates such as Weldox 700 are gaining popularity in many industries, including construction, mining, and transportation. However, to fully maximize the potential of these materials, proper heat treatment procedures such as quenching and tempering must be employed. This blog post will discuss the benefits of quenching and tempering the Weldox 700 plate and how it enhances its performance.
What are weldox 700 Plates?
Weldox 700 plate is a high-strength structural steel produced mainly by SSAB in Sweden. It is renowned for its excellent weldability, cold formability and high tolerance to brittle fracture. Weldox 700 has a minimum yield strength of 640 MPa, making it ideal for heavy-duty construction applications. Its low carbon equivalent also makes it suitable for welding with conventional electrodes and techniques. Additionally, the material provides good cutting properties and impact toughness values at temperatures down to -60°C due to low sulfur and phosphorus levels in the chemical composition of the plate. All these features make the Weldox 700 plate an excellent choice for demanding applications such as crane booms, bridges, cranes or guardrails in extreme environments or temperature changes.
The advantages of Quenching and tempering
Improved Hardness and Strength
Weldox 700 is a high-strength structural steel plate with superior hardness and strength compared to conventional steel plates. Through quenching and tempering, the material’s mechanical properties are further enhanced. The quenching process involves rapidly cooling the plate after it has been heated to eliminate residual stress and create a hardened surface layer. The tempering process then involves heating the plate to a lower temperature to allow the structure to stabilize, improve flexibility, and reduce brittleness. The result is a material with improved hardness and strength, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications that require high strength and durability.
Better Formability and Machinability
One of the challenges of using high-strength steel plates like Weldox 700 is their poor formability, making it difficult to shape and bend the material. However, applying quenching and tempering procedures can significantly improve the material’s formability and machinability. The tempering process, in particular, reduces the material’s hardness and makes it more malleable, resulting in easier fabrication and welding.
Enhanced Resistance to Wear and Fatigue
Weldox 700 is known for its excellent wear and impact resistance, making it a popular choice in the mining and construction sectors. However, prolonged exposure to harsh environments can cause the material to degrade over time, leading to premature fatigue and failure. Quenching and tempering can significantly improve the material’s resistance to wear and fatigue by creating a robust surface layer that can withstand corrosion, abrasion, and erosion.
Reduced Risk of Cracking and Warping
High-strength steel plates like Weldox 700 are prone to cracking and warping due to the residual stresses induced during manufacturing. Quenching and tempering can effectively eliminate these stresses, reducing the risk of cracking and warping during the material’s service life. This helps to ensure that the material retains its dimensional stability and structural integrity over time, resulting in a more reliable and long-lasting product.
Cost Savings and Improved Efficiency
Although quenching and tempering involve additional costs and processing time, the benefits far outweigh the initial investment. By enhancing the material’s strength, wear resistance, and fatigue properties, the Weldox 700 plate can perform better under extreme conditions, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and replacement. This can result in significant cost savings and improved efficiency, making quenching and tempering essential procedures for maximizing the performance of high-strength steel plates.
Conclusion
Quenching and tempering are critical heat treatment procedures that can significantly improve the properties of high-strength steel plates like Weldox 700. The material’s hardness, strength, formability, and resistance to wear and fatigue can be enhanced, resulting in a more durable, reliable, and efficient product. By investing in proper heat treatment procedures, companies can reduce the need for frequent maintenance and replacement, resulting in long-term cost savings and improved productivity.
