Reheat crack
Reheat cracking occurs in fine-grained structural steels when the material is subjected to high stress and temperature and then suddenly relieved. It results from local loss of ductility and precipitation processes.
Physicochemical Mechanism of Action
Reheat cracks form in fine-grained structural steels when the material gives way under high pressure and temperature and suddenly unloads. This leads to local loss of plasticity and precipitation processes that deform and damage the material at the cracks.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
Reheat cracks can occur during subsequent heat treatments, especially when the material gives way under high pressure and temperature. This can destroy the weld and hurt the mechanical strength of the material. It is important to carry out the heat treatment correctly to avoid such cracks.
Workshop Practice & Instructions
To avoid reheat cracks, subsequent heat treatments should be carefully planned and carried out. The temperatures and times of the heat treatment must be kept precisely. It is important to prepare and check the material well before heat treatment to make sure it does not give way under high pressure and temperature.