Comparison of Austenitic High-Mn-Steels with Different Mn- and C-Contents Regarding their Processing Properties

Summary This paper evaluates the difference between three high-manganese austenitic steels (X120Mn12, X80Mn16 and X60Mn22) and a standard Cr-Ni-austenitic steel X5CrNi18-10 regarding some selected aspects of their processing behavior. The hot deformation and dynamic recrystallization behavior between deformation steps as well as the static recrystallization from a cold rolled state were investigated. To evaluate mechanical properties and cold forming behavior, characteristic values were determined by means of Erichsen testing. In addition, structural investigations were conducted by XRD and optical microscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy. Austenitic high-manganese steels require lower deformation forces than austenitic Cr-Ni steels and exhibit a significantly more rapid dynamic recrystallization. Thereby the X60Mn22 steel grade showed significantly higher yield strength than the other high-manganese steels. Static recrystallization takes place after short holding durations at temperatures lower than required for solution treatment. All austenitic high-Mn steels showed a better formability but higher stretch-forming forces during cold forming compared to the austenitic Cr-Ni-steel.