← Glossary

Continuous cooling transformation diagram

A diagrammatic tool representing phase transitions in steels under defined cooling rates. It enables the prediction of the resulting microstructural composition for industrial heat treatment processes.

The CCT diagram shows you what structure the steel gets at different cooling rates. If you cool too fast, the material becomes hard and brittle because too much martensite forms. You usually don't want that when welding because it can lead to cracks. With the diagram, you can estimate whether you need to slow down the cooling, for example by preheating or letting it cool slowly. This ensures that the steel retains a tough structure and doesn't break.

MetallurgieSchweißtechnik

AI Transparency (EU AI Act): Created on the basis of our own many years of practical experience in welding technology, with the help of AI, and reviewed editorially.

© 2026 Welder-World. All content is for training and continuing education and does not replace a certified welding procedure specification.