Analysis of the Properties of Hardox Extreme Steel and Possibilities of Its Applications in Machinery

Abstract

The article presents the results of Hardox Extreme steel tests in the as-delivered state from a steel mill (after quenching and tempering), and also in the normalized state. The research procedures included a microstructure analysis using light microscopy; and a static tensile test at ambient temperature to determine its Young’s modulus, yield strength, tensile strength, elongation and reduction in area after fracture. During the tensile tests, both the longitudinal and transverse orientation of rolling direction were taken into account. The Charpy impact test was also carried out in the temperature range of the ductile–brittle transition in connection with the fractographic analysis carried out with the use of a scanning microscope (SEM). The impact tests were carried out on samples in both directions on the plate, using the following temperatures: −40, −20, 0, +20 °C. Based on the structural and strength characteristics of Hardox Extreme steel determined on the basis of the research, in a further part of the paper the possibility of its use in machine construction elements operating in selected industrial sectors is considered/discussed, with a particular emphasis on reducing the level of energy consumption in the manufacturing and operation of the above technical facilities.