← Glossary
Pearlite-to-austenite transformation
A diffusion-controlled transformation process during heating above the critical temperature, where the lamellar structure converts into γ-iron.
When you heat steel strongly during welding, the structure transforms – pearlite turns into austenite. That's perfectly normal and makes the material softer and more formable. But be careful not to cool the workpiece too quickly, otherwise the structure becomes hard and brittle, and you risk cracks in the weld or in the base material. Better let the part cool slowly after welding, then it stays tough and easy to machine.
MetallurgieSchweißtechnik