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Primary crystallization

Primary crystallization encompasses the transition of liquid steel melt into the solid state with the formation of dendritic crystal structures. This process largely determines the initial grain structure and segregation tendency of ingot casting.

When the melt cools, the first crystals form – that's called primary crystallization. How big the grains get depends strongly on the cooling rate. Fast cooling gives you a fine grain, slow cooling a coarse one. For welding, a fine grain is usually better because the structure is then tougher and less prone to cracking. So make sure you don't cool the weld too slowly or put in too much heat, otherwise you'll get a coarse, brittle structure.

MetallurgieSchweißtechnik

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