Ferrous Materials: Steels and Cast Iron

The annual global production of ferrous materials exceeds the sum of all other metallic materials by more than one order of magnitude. The huge demand for ferrous materials is driven not only by costs and availability, but chiefly by their wide range of useful properties that can be tailored by alloying and processing. This book addresses these relationships and applications of ferrous materials. Each chapter deals with particular topics relating to both steel and cast iron, which have hitherto been handled separately for historical reasons.

Part A describes the fundamental principles. Part B comprises almost two thirds of the book and discusses standardised materials, their processing and applications as well as recent developments. Annex C describes the designation systems and gives a brief history of ferrous materials. The individual chapters are:

A1 Constitution B1 Materials for general applications

A2 Microstructure B2 High-strength materials

A3 Heat treatment B3 Materials for surface layer treatments

A4 Properties B4 Tools for processing minerals

B5 Tools for processing materials

B6 Chemically resistant materials

C1 Material designations B7 Creep-resistant materials

C2 History of iron B8 Functional materials

This book focuses on materials technology and is intended for engineers working with ferrous materials in practical situations who wish to deepen their understanding or who are looking for advice. The necessary practical relevance is based on the authors' many years of industrial experience. Students will find a clear and well-structured presentation with useful diagrams, informative tables, plenty of data and many cross-references in the text. A list of the effects of alloying and tramp elements as well as a detailed index and keyword list assist the reader in finding the required information.

Harmonisation of European standards has made it possible to translate this book from German, currently in its third edition, into English. It was translated by Gillian Scheibelein B.Sc.(Hons.).