Microalloyed Cold Finished and Hot Rolled Bars

This paper deals with the use of small amounts of certain alloying additions, primarily columbium and vanadium, to enhance the mechanical properties of cold finished and hot roiled bar products. Hot rolled products with guaranteed tensile properties are readily produced by this approach; moreover, the application of microalloyed bars has successfully eliminated the need for heat treatment of various hot forged parts such as universal joint couplings, stabilizer bars, as well as connecting rods and caps. A typical example of this approach will be presented.

High-strength, cold finished bars are readily produced by starting with microalloyed hot rolled bars thus significantly expanding the range of properties achievable using a variety of base grades. Mechanical property and machinability data will be presented descriptive of selected commercially available products.