Martensitic Shear Stress Transformation

A diffusionless lattice modification where a tetragonal spatial network structure is created through coordinated atomic displacements. This mechanism provides the basis for extreme hardening effects.

Martensite forms when you cool the steel too quickly after welding. The structure then becomes glass-hard and brittle, which can quickly lead to cracks in the weld or the heat-affected zone. To avoid this, you have to slow down the cooling, for example by preheating or letting it cool slowly. For critical steels, only stress-relief annealing right after welding often helps, as long as the part is still warm. If you have the choice, use a steel that is not so sensitive to rapid cooling.

MetallurgieSchweißtechnik