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CERTAIN ferroalloys containing boron, known as “special addition agents” possess the property of markedly increasing the hardenability of many steels when added in relatively small quantities. These additives offer promise of conserving critical alloying elements by their ability to replace important amounts of nickel, chromium, and molybdenum. The additive treatment of steel from a commercial viewpoint is relatively new, having started in 1938. In general, it may be stated that, with respect to hardenability and mechanical properties, a carbon steel can be made equivalent to a low-alloy steel and a low-alloy steel equivalent to a high-alloy steel by additive treatment. The amount of additive required varies, depending upon the type of additive, the composition of the steel, and the degree of deoxidation. Uniform melting practice is essential to good results.