Article: Recent advances in special steels for power train applications Journal: International Journal of Vehicle Design (IJVD) 1986 Vol.7 No.1/2 pp.102 - 117 Abstract: There is a continuing need for more cost effective steels for automotive components. This paper describes recent developments in steels for forged and/or machined parts in power train applications and demonstrates to design engineers and component manufacturers the economic benefits available from the latest engineering steels technology from BSC Special Steels. A new series of carbon-manganese micro alloyed forging steels (VANARD) achieves the desired mechanical properties during controlled cooling from the forge, without the need for conventional hardening and tempering treatments which are applied to carbon and alloy steels. The VANARD steels are offered with tensile strength levels of 850, 925, 1000 and 1100 N/mm², in section sizes up to 100 mm. The cost savings, especially when replacing alloy steels can be significant. The response of VANARD steels to forging conditions is described and consideration is given to machinability characteristics and fatigue properties. Modern steelmaking techniques have also been utilised to develop two new series of carbon and alloy steels with improved machinability. The MAXIM steels have raised sulphur levels and are inclusion modified, whilst the IM steels, which are produced to controlled sulphur contents within the standard specifications ranges, are also inclusion modified. The mechanical properties and machinability of these steels are described and compared to conventional standard steels. Tool life can be increased fourfold with the MAXIM steels and specified mechanical properties are maintained. The IM steels show improved transverse toughness and ductility. Tool lives can be more than doubled. The current and potential applications of these new steels are discussed. The VANARD steels are now in regular production for crankshafts and connecting rods, achieving cost savings of at least 15%. The improved machinable, inclusion modified steels are used for machined gudgeon pins and gear manufacture. They offer savings of about 10%. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Recent advances in special steels for power train applications

Authors: A. Ellis, D.J. Naylor, R.W. Welburn

Addresses: British Steel Corporation - Special Steels, Rotherham, UK. ' British Steel Corporation - Special Steels, Rotherham, UK. ' British Steel Corporation - Special Steels, Rotherham, UK

Abstract: There is a continuing need for more cost effective steels for automotive components. This paper describes recent developments in steels for forged and/or machined parts in power train applications and demonstrates to design engineers and component manufacturers the economic benefits available from the latest engineering steels technology from BSC Special Steels. A new series of carbon-manganese micro alloyed forging steels (VANARD) achieves the desired mechanical properties during controlled cooling from the forge, without the need for conventional hardening and tempering treatments which are applied to carbon and alloy steels. The VANARD steels are offered with tensile strength levels of 850, 925, 1000 and 1100 N/mm², in section sizes up to 100 mm. The cost savings, especially when replacing alloy steels can be significant. The response of VANARD steels to forging conditions is described and consideration is given to machinability characteristics and fatigue properties. Modern steelmaking techniques have also been utilised to develop two new series of carbon and alloy steels with improved machinability. The MAXIM steels have raised sulphur levels and are inclusion modified, whilst the IM steels, which are produced to controlled sulphur contents within the standard specifications ranges, are also inclusion modified. The mechanical properties and machinability of these steels are described and compared to conventional standard steels. Tool life can be increased fourfold with the MAXIM steels and specified mechanical properties are maintained. The IM steels show improved transverse toughness and ductility. Tool lives can be more than doubled. The current and potential applications of these new steels are discussed. The VANARD steels are now in regular production for crankshafts and connecting rods, achieving cost savings of at least 15%. The improved machinable, inclusion modified steels are used for machined gudgeon pins and gear manufacture. They offer savings of about 10%.

Keywords: component design; materials technology; powertrain engineering; special steels; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1986.061144

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1986 Vol.7 No.1/2, pp.102 - 117

Published online: 25 May 2014 *

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Title: Recent advances in special steels for power train applications

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