Martensite Temper Resistance
Martensite temper resistance is the resistance of hardened steel to hardness loss and grain coarsening during tempering. It is increased by elements such as chromium and tungsten.
Physico-Chemical Mechanism of Action
Temper resistance refers to a steel's ability to maintain its hardness and structure under repeated mechanical loading (tempering). This is achieved through a stable martensitic structure formed by rapid cooling during welding.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
A low degree of temper resistance leads to rapid hardness loss and grain coarsening, significantly shortening the weld's service life. This can cause cracking and failure in service.
Workshop Practice & Action Guidelines
To increase temper resistance, use steel alloys with high carbide content (e.g., high-chromium steels). Keep the cooling steps during welding as short as possible (t8/5 < 5 s) and avoid overly slow cooling (> 25 s). This ensures a stable martensitic structure and improves temper resistance.