Thermomechanical processing of HSLA steels: Overview

Thermomechanical processing of steels is an advanced process for producing high-strength steels. Low-alloy high-strength steel grades have a wide range of applications in the production of large-diameter pipes for transporting oil and gas. The application of API grades like X70 steels in pipe rolling production has led to a reduction in metal consumption and energy expenses for their production. Warm rolling or controlled rolling is one of the advanced technological modes of steel processing, which is described in this article. Therefore, it needs to be emphasized that high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels have gained significant attention due to their superior mechanical properties and cost-effectiveness in various industrial applications. Thermomechanical processing (TMP) plays a crucial role in optimizing the microstructure and mechanical performance of these steels. This paper explores the fundamental principles of TMP, including controlled rolling, accelerated cooling, and precipitation strengthening. The impact of processing parameters on grain refinement, phase transformations, and mechanical properties is discussed. Advances in TMP techniques, such as direct quenching and ultra-fast cooling, are also highlighted. Understanding these processes enables the development of HSLA steels with enhanced strength, toughness, and weldability. The paper also contains experimental part regarding to plane strain compression test results, which is modelling thermomechanical processing of HSLA steels.