Optimization of Spheroidized Process Parameters for Two AISI 1022 Steel Wires Using Taguchi Approach

Abstract

Steel wire coils are used as semi-finished products for the production of fastener billets. The process usually requires preliminarily drawing wire coil to reduce the diameter of products. The drawn wire usually has to be annealed to improve the cold formability. In the fastener industry, most companies use a subcritical process for spheroidized annealing. The quality of spheroidize annealed steel wire affects the forming quality of screws. Various parameters affect the quality of spheroidized annealing such as spheroidized annealing temperature, prolonged heating time, furnace cooling time and flow rate of nitrogen. The effects of spheroidized annealing parameters affect the quality characteristics of wires, such as tensile strength and hardness. In this study, a series of experimental tests are carried out and Taguchi method is used to obtain optimum spheroidized annealing conditions to improve the mechanical properties of two AISI 1022 low carbon steel wires, WA and WB. It is revealed experimentally that, for wire WA, spheroidized annealing temperature and prolonged heating time are the significant factors; however, for wire WB, spheroidized annealing temperature and furnace cooling time are the significant factors to influence the mechanical properties of steel wires.

Investigating the Effect of Heat Treatment on the Cold Forging of 27mnb4 Steel via Calphad Methodology and Fem

“…This issue can be explained by the microstructural differences induced by the heat treatment process. Applied sub-critical heat treatment transforms the lamellar cementite into spheroidal form and the final microstructure has a lower yield point which facilities the cold forming process [22,23]. As a result, stress evolution during the forming process decreases and failures such as splits can be avoided [18].…”

Application of Taguchi Methodology on the Manufacturing Quality Evaluation of Subcontract Factories in Tapping Screws

“…Taguchi method may be used to obtain the optimum quality of low carbon steel wire [7]. However, excessive composition of titanium may seriously affect the formability of steel wire [8].…”