Question

A heat treatment process which will improve the machinability of hypereutectoid steel is:

• A. Austempering
• B. Spheroidizing
• C. Bainitic transformation
• D. Process annealing

Hint:

When machining hypereutectoid steels, spheroidizing is a useful heat treatment to improve machinability by making the material softer and reducing tool wear.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Spheroidizing is a heat treatment process used to improve the machinability of hypereutectoid steel. It involves heating the steel to a temperature just below its eutectoid point and holding it there for a long period. This process results in the formation of small, rounded carbides (spheroids), which makes the steel softer and easier to machine. Other processes such as austempering, bainitic transformation, and process annealing have different effects on the steel’s properties and are not specifically aimed at improving machinability in hypereutectoid steels.