An Assessment of the Variability in Machining Behavior in Low Carbon Resulphurized Free-Machining Steels

An assessment has been made of the variability in machining characteristics in several grades of low carbon resulphurized steels. Variability results from the influence of processing on structural features such as the sulfide inclusion morphology, the extent and type of solid solution strengthening, and the amount and distribution of special additives such as lead and tellurium. Close control of ferro alloy and scrap composition, deoxidation, casting temperature, lead and tellurium addition practices, and reheat and rolling temperatures are utilized to minimize variability in the machining behavior of free-machining steels.