The effect of heat treatment on mechanical properties of 42CrMo4 steel

Purpose: In this study, the effect of heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 42CrMo4 steel were investigated. Design/methodology/approach: The samples were annealed at 860°C for 120 min. followed by oil quenching and then tempered at temperatures between 480 and 570°C for 120 min. The microstructure of untreated 42CrMo4 steel mainly consists of pearlite and ferrite whereas the microstructure was found to be as a martensitic structure with a quenching process. Findings: The results showed that there is an increase in yield stress, ultimate tensile stress, hardness and impact energy, while elongation decreases at the end of the quenching process. Conversely, yield stress, ultimate tensile stress and hardness decrease slightly with the increasing of tempering temperature, while elongation and impact energy increase. Research limitations/implications: Other types of steels can be heat treated in a wider temperature range and the results can be compared. Practical implications: It is a highly effective method for improving the mechanical properties of heat treatment materials. Originality/value: A relationship between the mechanical properties and the microstructure of materials can be developed. The heat treatment is an effective method for this process.