Metalografa, tratamientos trmicos del acero SAE 1040

Integrantes: Ayala Garca Jhon Alexis (jayalag@uni.pe), Osorio Snchez Jean Franco
(jeanfrancoosoriosanchez@gmail.com), Paredes Fernndez Richard
Orlando(richardparedesfernadez@gmail.com), Urrutia Urrutia Gonzalo
Adolfo(gonzalo9428@gmail.com)
Asignatura: Ingeniera y Ciencias de los Materiales
Facultad de Ingeniera Geolgica, Minera y Metalrgica
Universidad Nacional de Ingeniera

ABSTRACT
This Project consists on improving the mechanical properties of the steel
SAE 1040. Taking into account that steel without hardening has got a
hardness of 28HRC and a tensile strength of 63kg/mm2 and with a process of
hardening the hardness reaches 58HRC and the tensile strength goes to 96 kg/mm 2.
Also, this project will show metallography, which is the study of the physical

structure and components of metals, typically using microscopy. Therefore It

is possible to determine the size of a grain, its shape and its many phases
distribution that has a great effect upon mechanical properties of steel.
Microstructure will show what kind of mechanical and heat treatment of
steel is needed and, under specific given circumstances, It will be possible
to predict the behavior of steel SAE 1040.

INTRODUCTION
The present project takes part in the formation of future metallurgist
engineers because steel metallography and the process to improve steels
mechanical properties, such as hardness, are common knowledge required
in the career.
In this case, the procedure to improve hardness was accomplished by
following two types of heat treatment: hardening using water and oil and
tempering.
Heat treatment involves making changes in the properties of a material by
heating or cooling under controlled conditions and h eat treatment techniques
include annealing, case hardening, precipitation strengthening,tempering, normalizing
and quenching. Hardening includes in its process martensite and austenite.

These processes are developed in order to increase strength and hardness,

to improve ductility, to change grain size and chemical composition, to
make easier steel working conditions, to strengthen tools and modify
electric and magnetic properties. Physical chemistry and metallurgical
knowledge is needed in order to accomplish all of the procedures mentioned
before, so this project will provide a general idea of these processes.
PROBLEM
The steel SAE 1040 once has completed its function in a building; its thrown
and becomes waste. Even if its lost many properties through the time, it
can be used.
Mechanical properties can be improved using heat treatment. Samples of
steel SAE 1040 are tested using hardening process so that hardness can be
raised.
OBJECTIVES
General

Improving mechanical properties of steel SAE 1040.

Testing microstructure of steel samples.

Specific

Identifying the steps that must be followed in order to accomplish a

metallographic analysis.
Identifying the phases and heat treatments that the steel has been
through by analyzing the microstructure of the alloys.
Relating structural characteristics of a metal or an alloy and its
mechanical or physical properties.
Getting to know the functioning of a metallographic microscope, in
order to use it during the study.
Identify which factors determine grain size and what influence has on
mechanical properties.

DESCRIPTION
The procedure was as follows:
Preparation of the metallographic test piece
Metallography studies microscopic structure of metal and their alloys. The
sample of metal has to be flat, because the microscope optical systems do
not have much depth of field, and polished, in order to get a better view of
the metal structure.
The phases to prepare the test piece are:
1. Cutting the sample
2. Mounting (optional)

3. Roughing
4. Polishing
5. Chemical or Electrolytic attack

I.

Cutting the sample

Theres production of heat during this process, due to friction,
therefore the metal is scratched.
If the cutting is too aggressive, itll only be possible to look at the
structure that has been transformed. There are some variables
that have to be taken into account to reduce these effects:
lubrication, cutting in slow motion and small pressure of the test
piece over the hacksaw.
Metallographic hacksaws are provided of refrigeration systems and
include regulators for speed and pressure.

II.

Desbaste
During this process the defects from the cutting process are
eliminated. This is accomplished by using abrasive discs of
different diameters, each of them finer than the previous one.
Every time a disc is replaced it is important to wash the test piece
with a lot of water so that any particles from the previous disc are
eliminated, thus it is possible to avoid some defects.

III.

Polishing
It is done using especial wipers, similar to the ones used in house
decorations. Diamond dust or alumina can be used as abrasives.
The first one is used with special oil to lubricate and spread the
diamond dust y the second one, in solution with water.
This process finishes when the test piece looks like a shiny mirror.

IV.

Chemical Attack
In this point the test piece is flat and has been polished, like a
mirror. The chemical attack will show the metal structure because
it will have a effect on the borders of the grains and will attack
differently the present phases in the metal.
A different reactive is used for each metal and alloy, if its steel,
the most common reactive is NITAL which is nitric acid in solution
with ethanol