Effect of the intercritical annealing in the formability and microstructure of a medium Mn steel sheet

Abstract A medium Mn steel (MMS) was cast by employing a vacuum induction furnace. After that, the hot rolled (HR) in order to achieve final thickness of 1.4 mm. The microstructure sheet found be composed martensite and little amount austenite, Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS this processing condition close 1600 MPa negligible elongation found. An intercritical annealing (IA) heat treatment applied promote austenite reversion increase its stability. Previous thermodynamic simulations experimental results were used determine temperature time parameters IA. subjected treatment, it exhibited an 35% UTS 1100 MPa. Bendability testing carried out that correlate with microstructural changes sheet. It critical bending angle higher IA comparison HR state.