Globular pearlite modification

Spheroidized pearlite (also called granular pearlite) forms during soft annealing. The steel is annealed until the lamellar cementite in the pearlite balls up into spherical particles. This makes the steel softer and easier to form, which is especially important for cold forming or machining. When welding, watch out: the heat input can change the structure again. If you weld such steel, you basically re-anneal the heat-affected zone, and lamellar pearlite or even martensite can form there again. That makes the area harder and more brittle than the base material. If you need the soft condition again after welding, only another soft annealing will help. The exact temperatures and times depend on the steel, but it's a slow process with controlled cooling. When in doubt, ask the materials advisor or check the data sheet.