Studies on the Mechanical Properties of C45 Steel with Martensitic Structure after a High Tempering Process

This article describes the studies of the mechanical properties of the martensitic structure of C45 steel, obtained as a result of heat treatment. This steel was subjected to high tempering, within the temperature range of 500 ÷ 700°C (every 50°C) and for various exposure times, from 15 minutes to 23 hours. Moreover, martensitic steel was subjected to tests by quenching at a temperature of 850°C for 20 minutes and then tempering it for 1 hour, within the temperature range of 50 ÷ 800°C (every 50°C). The resulting steel samples were subjected to strength tests, that is, to tensile and hardness tests and also to tests on the micro-structure. The results of these studies are presented and discussed, in detail, in terms of their practical application.