Thermal affected zone during cutting
The heat-affected zone in cutting is the area of the material that is altered by the thermal input of the cutting process without being melted. This can lead to hardness changes and microcracks.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
During cutting, the tool heats the surrounding of the cut material. The temperature rise near the cut changes the microstructure without melting the material. This leads to local hardness changes and can cause microcracks.
Metallurgical Relevance & Risks in Welding
The heat-affected zone can cause increased hardness in the cut area, which makes the material more difficult to machine. Additionally, microcracks can form, which can lead to cracks during further processing or under mechanical load.
Workshop Practice & Operating Instructions
To minimize the risk of hardness changes and microcracks, it is important to perform the cutting process at optimal temperatures. This can be achieved by choosing the right tool and appropriate cutting speed. For critical applications, careful temperature control is necessary to ensure the heat-affected zone remains minimal.