Search Results

We have developed a lead-free, free-machining 0.1 - 0.8% C steel for machine structural use, which demonstrates machinability almost equivalent to lead-containing free-machining steels. This free-machining steel is characterized by controlling the sulfide shape by Ca-Al deoxidation, and, unlike conventional Ca-deoxidized steels (1) and Al-deoxidized CaS free-machining steels (2), its machinability is improved with the aid of manganese-calcium sulphides which precipitate wrapping calcium-aluminate oxides. In order that these duplex inclusions generate, it is essential that the activity balance between [O] and [S] be controlled to 15 ≦ aS/aO ≦ 100. The free-machining steel which satisfies this activity balance has an outstanding machinability and fatigue strength, which are equivalent to lead containing steels. It has been under consideration to apply this novel free-machining steel to automotive parts such as crank shafts and connecting rods.

Application of microalloyed steel to automobile parts is becoming increasingly common in Japan. However, fatigue properties of actual automotive forged parts with slight notches on their surface have not been fully clarified. In this work, the fatigue properties of microalloyed steel were studied using test specimens and also actual automotive parts. The results indicated that microalloyed steel with an optimal microstructure showed higher notch fatigue resistance than quenched-tempered steel. The improvement of material technology and the application of microalloyed steel have not only served to bring product costs down, but have paved the way for part weight reductions. Lightweight connecting rods for the newly developed Nissan engines have been produced, contributing to improved engine performance.