The effect of wrought iron on the structure of steel castings

Hot plastic deformation (wrought forming) of cast products, whether obtained by conventional ingot casting, continuous casting or ESR (electroslag remelting) casting, is a shaping process that is accompanied by metallurgical modifications. One might think that the large-scale, multiple deformations achieved by rolling or forging would completely erase the original structure, that of the cast state. In fact, many of the characteristics of the latter affect the metal's behavior during processing, and are transmitted to the finished product by a kind of heredity.

The current development of continuous casting for near-net-shape casting and of direct shaping with thermomechanical treatments combined with wrought-iron working is leading to savings in investment and energy. This change is driving new quality requirements, particularly during the hot forming of steels.