Structure and Properties of Carbon Steel Wire in Drawing

Abstract

A method of continuous deformational nanostructuring of wire is described. In the method, a continuously moving wire is subjected simultaneously to tensile deformation in drawing, flexural deformation on passing through a roller system, and torsional deformation. This combination permits wide variation in its mechanical properties, ensuring both high strength and plasticity. The benefits of such deformation are the use of a tool already employed in the production of metal components; compatibility with the speeds of coarse and moderate wire drawing; and simplicity of the equipment. Laboratory apparatus for this method is described. Carbon steel 50 wire is selected for investigation, since it in great demand. The chemical composition and mechanical properties of the wire in the initial state are described. Experiments are conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed differential nanostructuring in producing ultrafine-grain structure in the wire. The deformation conditions of the wire are described, as well as the drawing process. The transverse and longitudinal microstructure of the carbon steel 50 wire at the surface and in the center after different types of deformational treatment is investigated. In the experiments, the influence of the type of deformational treatment on the microstructure of the steel and its anisotropy over the wire cross section is established. The compliance of the wire’s mechanical properties with current standards is verified. After all types of treatment, its mechanical properties are consistent with State Standard GOST 17305–91. Metallographic data and mechanical test results after combined deformational treatment indicate that such combinations of deformation provide a promising approach to creating ultrafine-grain structure in carbon wire.