[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wire rod and a part with improved delayed fracture
resistance, and methods for manufacturing the same, more specifically to a wire rod
and a part that can be used in fastening bolts, etc. of automobiles and structures
exposed to various stress and corrosion environments, and methods for manufacturing
the same.
[Background Art]
[0002] High strength is required for wire rods which are used for fastening bolts, etc.
for automobiles and structures with the weight reduction and miniaturization of automobiles
and structures. In general, cold working, grain refinement, martensite strengthening,
precipitation strengthening, etc. are utilized to increase the strength of steel materials.
[0003] However, the dislocations, grain boundaries, martensite lath boundaries, fine precipitate
boundaries, used for strengthening lead to inferior delayed fracture by acting as
hydrogen traps in steel materials. For this reason, the delayed fracture becomes inferior
in high-strength bolts with a tensile strength of 1 GPa or higher.
[0004] In order to solve this problem, Cr-Mo alloy steel with Mo added was used in steel
for high-strength bolts with a tempered martensite structure having a tensile strength
of 1 GPa or higher. But, there have been attempts to replace the Cr-Mo steel with
Cr-B steel in order to respond to the need for cost reduction with the development
of the bolt manufacturing technology. As a result, cost reduction was realized by
using Cr-B steel for bolts used in structures with no significant impact on safety.
Then, after its safety was confirmed, the Cr-B steel is used for some fastening bolts
of automobiles.
[0005] Furthermore, in the automobile industry, there is a need to develop a material for
bolts that can reduce cost more than the Cr-B steel. In order to respond to this need,
technological development has been conducted recently to apply Mn-B steel utilizing
Mn, which is cheaper than Cr, for high-strength bolts of 1 GPa or higher.
[0006] However, since Mn causes high solid solution strengthening in the ferrite matrix
as compared to Cr, the Mn-B steel may cause cracking in the thread part of the bolt.
Therefore, the steel with a high content of Mn, which is added to manufacture a high-strength
bolt of 1 GPa or higher, is difficult to be used for a high-strength bolt because
delayed fracture may occur in the bolt thread part due to cracking.
[Disclosure]
[Technical Problem]
[0007] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to providing a wire rod with improved
delayed fracture resistance for a high-strength bolt, by optimizing the solid solution
strengthening effect of Mn-B steel and improving formability through control of alloy
elements, the bolt and methods for manufacturing the same.
[Technical Solution]
[0008] A wire rod with improved delayed fracture resistance according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present disclosure contains, by wt%, 0.15-0.30% of C, 0.15-0.25% of Si, 0.95-1.35%
of Mn, 0.030% or less of P, 0.030% or less of S, 0.015-0.030% of Ti, 0.0010-0.0040%
of B, 0.0010-0.0080% of N, and Fe and inevitable impurities as the balance, and satisfies
formula 1.

[0009] In formula 1, [Si] and [Mn] represent the contents (wt%) of the corresponding elements.
[0010] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the wire rod may satisfy
formula 2.

[0011] In formula 2, [Ti] and [N] represent the contents (wt%) of the corresponding elements.
[0012] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of TiN inclusions
may be 15 µm or smaller.
[0013] A method for manufacturing a wire rod with improved delayed fracture resistance according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a step of finish-rolling
a steel material containing, by wt%, 0.15-0.30% of C, 0.15-0.25% of Si, 0.95-1.35%
of Mn, 0.030% or less of P, 0.030% or less of S, 0.015-0.030% of Ti, 0.0010-0.0040%
of B, 0.0010-0.0080% of N, and Fe and inevitable impurities as the balance and satisfying
formula 1 at 880-980 °C; and a step of winding at 830-930 °C.

[0014] In formula 1, [Si] and [Mn] represent the contents (wt%) of the corresponding elements.
[0015] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the steel material may
satisfy formula 2.

[0016] In formula 2, [Ti] and [N] represent the contents (wt%) of the corresponding elements.
[0017] A method for manufacturing a part with improved delayed fracture resistance according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a step of drawing a
wire rod manufactured according to the present disclosure; a step of spheroidization
heat-treating the drawn wire rod at 745-770 °C; a step of heating the spheroidization
heat-treated drawn wire rod at 870-940 °C; a step of quenching the spheroidization
heat-treated drawn wire rod at 50-80 °C; and a step of tempering the quenched part
at 400-600 °C.
[0018] A part with improved delayed fracture resistance according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present disclosure contains, by wt%, 0.15-0.30% of C, 0.15-0.25% of Si, 0.95-1.35%
of Mn, 0.030% or less of P, 0.030% or less of S, 0.015-0.030% of Ti, 0.0010-0.0040%
of B, 0.0010-0.0080% of N, and Fe and inevitable impurities as the balance and satisfies
formula 1.

[0019] In formula 1, [Si] and [Mn] represent the contents (wt%) of the corresponding elements.
[0020] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the part satisfies formula
2.

[0021] In formula 2, [Ti] and [N] represent the contents (wt%) of the corresponding elements)
[0022] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the part includes, by
volume fraction, 0.3-2% of a retained austenite structure and a residual tempered
martensite structure.
[Advantageous Effects]
[0023] A part with improved delayed fracture resistance for a high-strength a bolt according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure improves formability during the
processing of the thread part of a Mn-B steel bolt. Accordingly, delayed fracture
in a 1 GPa-grade high-strength bolt may be suppressed by preventing cracks in the
thread part of the bolt.
[Brief Description of Drawings]
[0024] FIG. 1 is an image of a thread part of Comparative Example 3 before evaluation of
delayed fracture resistance.
[Best Mode]
[0025] The present specification does not describe all elements of exemplary embodiments,
and the description of general contents in the technical field to which the present
disclosure belongs or contents overlapping between exemplary embodiments is omitted.
[0026] In addition, when a part is described to "include" a certain component, it means
that it may further include other components rather than excluding other components,
unless stated otherwise.
[0027] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise.
[0028] Hereinafter, the present disclosure is described in detail.
[0029] The following exemplary embodiments are provided to fully convey the idea of the
present disclosure to those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which
the present disclosure belongs. The present disclosure is not limited to the presented
exemplary embodiments but may also be embodied in other forms.
[0030] The inventors of the present disclosure have found out that, by controlling the contents
of Si and Mn, formability can be improved by optimizing the solid solution strengthening
effect while ensuring strength and, thus, delayed fracture resistance can be improved
as cracking caused by poor formability of a thread part is suppressed.
[0031] In addition, they have found out that a fine grain size can be obtained by controlling
the contents of Ti and N and controlling the size of TiN inclusions and, through this,
formability can be improved and delayed fracture resistance can be ensured.
[0032] A wire rod with improved delayed fracture resistance according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present disclosure contains, by wt%, 0.15-0.30% of C, 0.15-0.25% of Si, 0.95-1.35%
of Mn, 0.030% or less of P, 0.030% or less of S, 0.015-0.030% of Ti, 0.0010-0.0040%
of B, 0.0010-0.0080% of N, and Fe and inevitable impurities as the balance.
[0033] The reason why the contents of the alloy elements are limited will be described in
detail. The content is in wt% unit unless specified otherwise.
[0034] The content of carbon (C) is 0.15-0.30%.
[0035] C is an element added to ensure the strength of a product. If the carbon content
is less than 0.15%, it is difficult to ensure the target strength. And, if it exceeds
0.30%, the delayed fracture characteristics may become inferior as the formation of
retained austenite with superior mechanical stability is hindered by the hydrostatic
pressure formed at the lath martensite during quenching. Therefore, in the present
disclosure, the C content is limited to 0.15-0.30%.
[0036] The content of silicon (Si) is 0.15-0.25%.
[0037] Si is an element that is used not only for deoxidization of steel but also for ensuring
strength through solid solution strengthening. If the Si content is less than 0.15%,
the deoxidization of steel and improvement of strength through solid solution strengthening
may be insufficient. And, if it exceeds 0.25%, formability and impact characteristics
may become inferior due to solid solution strengthening. Therefore, in the present
disclosure, the Si content is limited to 0.15-0.25%.
[0038] The content of manganese (Mn) is 0.95-1.35%.
[0039] Mn is an element which improves hardenability. It is a very useful element that provides
solid solution strengthening effect by forming a substitutional solid solution in
the matrix structure. If the Mn content is less than 0.95%, it is difficult to ensure
the strength desired in the present disclosure because the solid solution strengthening
effect and hardenability are insufficient. And, if the Mn content exceeds 1.35%, formability
may become inferior due to the solid solution strengthening effect. Therefore, in
the present disclosure, the Mn content is limited to 0.95-1.35%.
[0040] The content of phosphorus (P) is 0.030% or less (excluding 0%).
[0041] P is an element which is segregated in the grain boundary and lowers toughness and
delayed fracture resistance. Therefore, in the present disclosure, the upper limit
of the P content is limited to 0.030%.
[0042] The content of sulfur (S) is 0.030% or less (excluding 0%).
[0043] Like P, S is segregated in the grain boundary and lowers toughness. In addition,
it hinders hot rolling by forming a low-melting-point emulsion. Therefore, in the
present disclosure, the upper limit of the S content is limited to 0.030%.
[0044] The content of titanium (Ti) is 0.015-0.030%.
[0045] Ti is an element which binds to N introduced into steel to form titanium carbonitride
(TiN). In the present disclosure, TiN can prevent cracking caused by poor formability
of a part and improve delayed fracture resistance by reducing grain size. In addition,
since Ti forms TiN, it can prevent free N from binding to B, which forms BN that worsens
formability. If the Ti content is less than 0.015%, TiN is not formed enough and free
N forms BN. As a result, the hardening effect of B cannot be utilized. And, if it
exceeds 0.03%, delayed fracture resistance may become inferior due to formation of
coarse carbonitride. Therefore, in the present disclosure, the Ti content is limited
to 0.015-0.03%.
[0046] The content of boron (B) is 0.0010-0.0040%.
[0047] B is an element which improves hardenability. If the B content is less than 0.0010%,
it is difficult to expect the improvement of hardenability. And, if it exceeds 0.0040%,
the delayed fracture resistance becomes inferior since the austenite grain boundary
becomes brittle as Fe
23(CB)
6 carbide is formed in the grain boundary and the formability becomes inferior due
to the formation of BN. Therefore, in the present disclosure, the B content is limited
to 0.0010-0.0040%.
[0048] The content of nitrogen (N) is 0.0010-0.0080%.
[0049] N is an element that forms a carbonitride. If the N content is less than 0.0010%,
the TiN precipitate that reduces grain size may not be formed enough. And, if it exceeds
0.0080%, the toughness and ductility of steel may become inferior due to the increased
content of dissolved nitrogen and free N may bind with B to form BN which worsens
formability. Therefore, in the present disclosure, the N content is limited to 0.0010-0.0080%.
[0050] The remaining component of the alloy composition is iron (Fe). But, the wire rod
with improved delayed fracture resistance of the present disclosure may contain other
impurities that can be included in common industrial steel production processes. These
impurities are well known to those having ordinary knowledge in the art to which the
present disclosure belongs, and their types and contents are not specially limited
in the present disclosure.
[0051] The wire rod with improved delayed fracture resistance according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure satisfies formula 1:

[0052] In formula 1, [Si] and [Mn] represent the contents (wt%) of the corresponding elements.
[0053] In the present disclosure, the contents of Si and Mn are controlled so that, while
ensuring strength through the solid solution strengthening effect, the formability
and delayed fracture resistance of a wire rod can be improved by suppressing excessive
solid solution strengthening. The formula 1 was is a formula for optimizing the solid
solution strengthening effect. In the formula 1, if the value of 5.5 x [Si] + [Mn]
is smaller than 2.0, the strength desired by the present disclosure cannot be ensured.
And, if the value of 5.5 x [Si] + [Mn] exceeds 2.4, delayed fracture may be induced
due to cracking caused by poor formability during the forming of a high-strength part
owing to excessive solid solution strengthening. Therefore, in the present disclosure,
the value of 5.5 x [Si] + [Mn] is limited to 2.0-2.4 to improve the delayed fracture
resistance.
[0054] In addition, the wire rod with improved delayed fracture resistance according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure satisfies formula 2.

[0055] In formula 2, [Ti] and [N] represent the contents (wt%) of the corresponding elements.
[0056] The present disclosure aims at improving the delayed fracture resistance of a wire
rod by reducing grain size and improving formability. The inventors of the present
disclosure have found out that grain size can be reduced by controlling the size of
TiN inclusions and formability and delayed fracture resistance can be ensured by suppressing
the formation of BN. The formula 2 is a formula derived to control the size of TiN
inclusions and suppress the formation of BN. In the formula 2, if the value of [Ti]
/ 3.42[N] is 1.0 or smaller, formability may become inferior due to BN, etc. formed
by free N not bound to Ti. And, if the value of [Ti] / 3.42[N] is 2.0 or larger, the
size of TiN inclusions is increased due to excess Ti and the grain refinement effect
cannot be achieved. Therefore, in the present disclosure, the value of [Ti] / 3.42[N]
is limited to satisfy 1.0 < [Ti] / 3.42[N] < 2.0.
[0057] In the present disclosure, the size of TiN inclusions for reducing grain size may
be 15 µm or smaller. If the size of the TiN inclusions exceeds 15 µm, it is difficult
to ensure delayed fracture resistance through grain refinement.
[0058] A part with improved delayed fracture resistance manufactured from the wire rod according
to the present disclosure includes, by volume fraction, 0.3-2% of a retained austenite
structure and a residual tempered martensite structure. If the fraction of the retained
austenite structure is less than 0.3%, it is difficult to expect the role as a barrier
that delays the diffusion of hydrogen. And, if it exceeds 2%, the retained austenite
is formed thickly not only in the lath boundary but also in the austenite grain boundary,
etc., which makes it difficult to delay the diffusion of hydrogen and lowers the effect
of improving delayed fracture resistance.
[0059] Next, a method for manufacturing a wire rod and a part with improved delayed fracture
resistance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be
described.
[0060] The wire rod and a part with improved delayed fracture resistance according to the
present disclosure may be manufactured by various methods without particular limitation.
As an exemplary embodiment, it may be manufactured by the following method.
[0061] The wire rod with improved delayed fracture resistance according to the present disclosure
may be manufactured by a method including: a step of finish-rolling a steel material
containing, by wt%, 0.15-0.30% of C, 0.15-0.25% of Si, 0.95-1.35% of Mn, 0.030% or
less of P, 0.030% or less of S, 0.015-0.030% of Ti, 0.0010-0.0040% of B, 0.0010-0.0080%
of N, and Fe and inevitable impurities as the balance at 880-980 °C; and step of winding
at 830-930 °C.
[0062] First, a steel material satisfying the above alloy composition is prepared and finish-rolled
at 880-980 °C into a wire rod. Then, the rolled wire rod is wound at 830-930 °C into
a coil shape.
[0063] If the wire rod rolling temperature is below 880 °C or if the winding temperature
is below 830 °C, a decarburized ferrite layer may be formed on the surface through
phase transformation because the surface layer is a quasi-two-phase, and the delayed
fracture resistance may become inferior since a decarburized ferrite layer is formed
also on the surface of the bolt during heat treatment. In addition, delayed fracture
resistance may become inferior since the prior austenite grain size of the bolt decreases
and the fraction of retained austenite increases. If the wire rod finish rolling temperature
exceeds 980 °C or if the winding temperature exceeds 930 °C, a decarburized ferrite
layer may be formed on the surface as decarburization is accelerated by hydrogen and
the delayed fracture resistance may become inferior as the prior austenite grain size
is increased.
[0064] Then, the wound wire rod may be drawn, spheroidization heat-treated, coated, formed
into a bolt, austenitized, quenched and then tempered to obtain a final part for a
bolt. For example, it may be prepared by the following method.
[0065] A method for manufacturing a part for a bolt according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present disclosure includes: a step of drawing the wire rod manufactured according
to the present disclosure; a step of spheroidization heat-treating the drawn wire
rod at 745-770 °C; a step of heating the spheroidization heat-treated drawn wire rod
at 870-940 °C; a step of quenching the spheroidization heat-treated drawn wire rod
at 50-80 °C; and a step of tempering at 400-600 °C.
[0066] The spheroidization heat treatment may be performed at 745-770 °C. If the heat treatment
temperature is below 745 °C or exceeds 770 °C, the degree of spheroidization may be
decreased, which may cause increased hardness, poor formability of a thread part of
the bolt after forming, and cracking of the thread part.
[0067] The austenitization heat treatment may be performed at 870-940 °C. If the heat treatment
temperature is below 870 °C, toughness may become inferior as a martensite structure
is formed nonuniformly after quenching due to insufficient reverse austenite transformation.
If the heat treatment temperature exceeds 940 °C, delayed fracture resistance may
become inferior due to increased prior austenite grain size.
[0068] The quenching may be performed at 50-80 °C. If the quenching temperature is below
50 °C, fine quenching cracks may occur in the thread of the bolt due to thermal deformation,
which can cause delayed fracture. And, if it exceeds 80 °C, retained austenite may
be formed in the prior austenite grain boundary in addition to the mechanically stable
retained austenite formed in the lath due to insufficient quenching, and delayed fracture
may be induced due to accumulation of hydrogen.
[0069] The tempering may be performed at 400-600 °C in order to provide strength and toughness
according to the use and purpose of the final product. If the tempering temperature
is below 400 °C, brittleness may be caused by the tempering. And, if it exceeds 600
°C, it is difficult to achieve the strength desired by the present disclosure.
[0070] The part with improved delayed fracture resistance manufactured according to the
present disclosure includes, by volume fraction, 0.3-2% of a retained austenite structure
and a residual tempered martensite structure.
[0071] Hereinafter, the present disclosure is described in more detail through examples.
However, the following examples merely illustrate the present disclosure and the present
disclosure is not limited by the examples. The scope of the present disclosure is
determined by the appended claims and the matters reasonably inferred therefrom.
Examples
[0072] Wire rods of Examples 1-9 and Comparative Examples 1-7 satisfying the alloy composition
of Table 1 were prepared into final bolts for test under to the manufacturing condition
of the present disclosure. Specifically, a steel piece satisfying the alloy composition
of Table 1 was finish-rolled at 880-980 °C into a wire rod and wound into a coil shape
at 830-930 °C. The wound wire rod was spheroidization heat-treated at 745-770 °C.
Then, the spheroidization heat-treated wire rod was formed into a bolt, austenitized
at 870-940 °C, quenching at 50-80 °C, and then tempered at 400-600 °C to ensure a
tensile strength of 1050 ± 16 MPa.
[Table 1]
| |
Alloy composition (wt%) |
| C |
Si |
Mn |
P |
S |
Ti |
B |
N |
| Ex. 1 |
0.29 |
0.21 |
0.99 |
0.011 |
0.005 |
0.018 |
0.0023 |
0.0041 |
| Ex. 2 |
0.16 |
0.20 |
1.30 |
0.012 |
0.005 |
0.019 |
0.0020 |
0.0049 |
| Ex. 3 |
0.24 |
0.19 |
0.96 |
0.008 |
0.005 |
0.027 |
0.0024 |
0.0040 |
| Ex. 4 |
0.21 |
0.20 |
1.11 |
0.010 |
0.005 |
0.018 |
0.0023 |
0.0051 |
| Ex. 5 |
0.23 |
0.16 |
1.20 |
0.009 |
0.005 |
0.028 |
0.0020 |
0.0048 |
| Ex. 6 |
0.22 |
0.23 |
0.99 |
0.010 |
0.005 |
0.025 |
0.0019 |
0.0055 |
| Comp. Ex. 1 |
0.23 |
0.19 |
0.98 |
0.008 |
0.005 |
0.018 |
0.0023 |
0.0021 |
| Comp. Ex. 2 |
0.24 |
0.21 |
1.02 |
0.010 |
0.005 |
0.042 |
0.0021 |
0.0040 |
| Comp. Ex. 3 |
0.20 |
0.26 |
1.15 |
0.009 |
0.005 |
0.019 |
0.0020 |
0.0050 |
| Comp. Ex. 4 |
0.23 |
0.21 |
1.45 |
0.011 |
0.005 |
0.022 |
0.0021 |
0.0050 |
| Comp. Ex. 5 |
0.33 |
0.20 |
1.10 |
0.010 |
0.005 |
0.018 |
0.0022 |
0.0050 |
[0073] After evaluating the maximum size of TiN precipitate and delayed fracture cracks
for the bolts of Examples 1-6 and Comparative Examples 1-5, the values of the formula
1 and formula 2 were determined. The result is given in Table 2. The maximum size
of TiN precipitate was defined by the maximum size of inclusions observed in the L-section
(longitudinal direction) of the bolt in an area of 160 mm
2 for 30 fields by extreme value analysis. The result is also given Table 2.
[0074] The delayed fracture resistance was tested according to the delayed fracture simulation
method by fastening the bolt with a clamping force corresponding to the yield strength
and immersing in a solution of 5% hydrochloric acid + 95% distilled water for 10 minutes.
The presence of cracks in the thread, which is the part where stress is concentrated,
was observed. X indicates no cracking, and O indicates the occurrence of cracks.
[Table 2]
| |
Formula 1 5.5 x [Si] + [Mn] |
Formula 2 [Ti] / 3.42[N] |
Maximum TiN size (µm) |
Presence of delayed fracture cracks |
| Ex. 1 |
2.15 |
1.284 |
13.2 |
X |
| Ex. 2 |
2.40 |
1.134 |
11.1 |
X |
| Ex. 3 |
2.01 |
1.974 |
14.5 |
X |
| Ex. 4 |
2.21 |
1.032 |
10.2 |
X |
| Ex. 5 |
2.08 |
1.706 |
13.9 |
X |
| Ex. 6 |
2.26 |
1.329 |
12.1 |
X |
| Comp. Ex. 1 |
2.03 |
2.506 |
15.9 |
O |
| Comp. Ex. 2 |
2.18 |
3.070 |
17.8 |
O |
| Comp. Ex. 3 |
2.58 |
1.111 |
10.3 |
O |
| Comp. Ex. 4 |
2.61 |
1.287 |
13.5 |
O |
| Comp. Ex. 5 |
2.20 |
1.053 |
11.5 |
O |
[0075] As seen from Table 2, for Examples 1-6, wherein the requirements of alloy composition,
formulas and TiN size proposed by the present disclosure are satisfied, showed no
delayed fracture crack in the thread part of the bolt before and after the evaluation
of delayed fracture resistance. In contrast, for Comparative Example 1, wherein the
[Ti] / 3.42[N] value exceeds the upper limit 2.0 proposed by the present disclosure
as 2.506, coarse TiN was formed and delayed fracture cracks occurred.
[0076] For Comparative Example 2, wherein the [Ti] / 3.42[N] value exceeds the upper limit
2.0 proposed by the present disclosure as 3.070, coarse TiN was formed and delayed
fracture cracks occurred.
[0077] For Comparative Example 3, wherein the Si content exceeds the upper limit 0.25% proposed
by the present disclosure as 0.26% and the 5.5 x [Si] + [Mn] value exceeds the upper
limit 2.4 as 2.58, delayed fracture cracks occurred due to poor formability of the
bolt thread part after the spheroidization heat treatment because of excessive solid
solution strengthening. FIG. 1 shows the image of the thread part for Comparative
Example 3 before the evaluation of delayed fracture resistance. As seen from FIG.
1, delayed fracture cracks occurred for Comparative Example 3, which does not satisfy
the requirements proposed by the present disclosure, indicating that delayed fracture
resistance was not achieved.
[0078] For Comparative Example 4, wherein the Mn content exceeds the upper limit 1.35% proposed
by the present disclosure as 1.45% and the 5.5 x [Si] + [Mn] value exceeds the upper
limit 2.4 proposed by the present disclosure as 2.61, delayed fracture cracks occurred
due to poor formability of the bolt thread part after the spheroidization heat treatment
because of excessive solid solution strengthening.
[0079] For Comparative Example 5, wherein the C content exceeds the upper limit 0.30% proposed
by the present disclosure as 0.33%, the formation of a retained austenite structure
with superior mechanical stability was prevented and delayed fracture cracks occurred.
[0080] In addition, final bolt samples of Example 3 and Comparative Examples 6-1 to 6-6
were prepared under to the conditions described in Table 3.
[Table 3]
| |
Temperature ( °C) |
Presence of delayed fracture cracks |
| Finish rolling temperature |
Winding temperature |
Spheroidization heat treatment temperature |
Austenitization temperature |
| Ex. 3 |
930 |
880 |
755 |
910 |
X |
| Comp. Ex. 6-1 |
990 |
940 |
755 |
910 |
O |
| Comp. Ex. 6-2 |
870 |
820 |
755 |
910 |
O |
| Comp. Ex. 6-3 |
930 |
880 |
755 |
950 |
O |
| Comp. Ex. 6-4 |
930 |
880 |
755 |
860 |
O |
| Comp. Ex. 6-5 |
930 |
880 |
740 |
910 |
O |
| Comp. Ex. 6-6 |
930 |
880 |
775 |
910 |
O |
[0081] For Example 3, wherein the finish rolling temperature, winding temperature, spheroidization
heat treatment temperature and austenitization temperature are satisfied, delayed
fracture crack did not occur. In contrast, for Comparative Example 6-1, wherein the
rolling temperature exceeds the upper limit 980 °C proposed by the present disclosure
as 990 °C and the winding temperature also exceeds the upper limit 930 °C proposed
by the present disclosure as 940 °C, delayed fracture cracks occurred as the prior
austenite grain size was increased in the wire rod and in the bolt as well.
[0082] For Comparative Example 6-2, wherein the rolling temperature does not reach the lower
limit 880 °C proposed by the present disclosure as 870 °C and the winding temperature
also does not reach the lower limit 830 °C proposed by the present disclosure as 820
°C, the fraction of retained austenite was increased and delayed fracture crack occurred
as the prior austenite grain size was increased in the wire rod and in the bolt as
well.
[0083] For Comparative Example 6-3, wherein the austenitization heat treatment temperature
exceeds the upper limit 940 °C proposed by the present disclosure as 950 °C, delayed
fracture cracks occurred as the prior austenite grain size of the bolt was increased.
[0084] For Comparative Example 6-4, wherein the austenitization heat treatment temperature
does not reach the lower limit 870 °C proposed by the present disclosure as 860 °C,
undissolved ferrite was formed because the QT heat treatment was conducted in the
state where the bolt was not austenitized enough and, accordingly, delayed fracture
cracks occurred.
[0085] For Comparative Example 6-5, wherein the spheroidization temperature does not reach
the lower limit 745 °C proposed by the present disclosure as 740 °C, and for Comparative
Example 6-6, wherein the spheroidization temperature exceeds the upper limit 770 °C
proposed by the present disclosure as 775 °C, formability was inferior and delayed
fracture cracks occurred due to low degree of spheroidization.
[0086] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure were described, the
present disclosure is not limited thereto and those having ordinary knowledge in the
art will understand that various changes and modifications without departing from
the concept and scope of the appended claims.
1. A wire rod with improved delayed fracture resistance, comprising, by wt%, 0.15-0.30%
of C, 0.15-0.25% of Si, 0.95-1.35% of Mn, 0.030% or less of P, 0.030% or less of S,
0.015-0.030% of Ti, 0.0010-0.0040% of B, 0.0010-0.0080% of N, and Fe and inevitable
impurities as the balance, and satisfying formula 1:

wherein [Si] and [Mn] represent the contents (wt%) of the corresponding elements.
2. The wire rod according to claim 1, which satisfies formula 2:

wherein [Ti] and [N] represent the contents (wt%) of the corresponding elements.
3. The wire rod according to claim 1, wherein the size of TiN inclusions is 15 µm or
smaller.
4. A method for manufacturing a wire rod with improved delayed fracture resistance, comprising:
a step of finish-rolling a steel material comprising, by wt%, 0.15-0.30% of C, 0.15-0.25%
of Si, 0.95-1.35% of Mn, 0.030% or less of P, 0.030% or less of S, 0.015-0.030% of
Ti, 0.0010-0.0040% of B, 0.0010-0.0080% of N, and Fe and inevitable impurities as
the balance and satisfying formula 1 at 880-980 °C; and
a step of winding at 830-930 °C.

wherein [Si] and [Mn] represent the contents (wt%) of the corresponding elements.
5. The method for manufacturing a wire rod according to claim 4, wherein the steel material
satisfies formula 2:

wherein [Ti] and [N] represent the contents (wt%) of the corresponding elements.
6. A method for manufacturing a part with improved delayed fracture resistance, comprising:
a step of drawing a wire rod manufactured according to claim 4 or 5;
a step of spheroidization heat-treating the drawn wire rod at 745-770 °C;
a step of heating the spheroidization heat-treated drawn wire rod at 870-940 °C;
a step of quenching the spheroidization heat-treated drawn wire rod at 50-80 °C; and
a step of tempering the quenched part at 400-600 °C.
7. A part with improved delayed fracture resistance, comprising, by wt%, 0.15-0.30% of
C, 0.15-0.25% of Si, 0.95-1.35% of Mn, 0.030% or less of P, 0.030% or less of S, 0.015-0.030%
of Ti, 0.0010-0.0040% of B, 0.0010-0.0080% of N, and Fe and inevitable impurities
as the balance, and satisfying formula 1:

wherein [Si] and [Mn] represent the contents (wt%) of the corresponding elements.
8. The part according to claim 7, which satisfies formula 2:

wherein [Ti] and [N] represent the contents (wt%) of the corresponding elements.
9. The part according to claim 7, which comprises, by volume fraction, 0.3-2% of a retained
austenite structure and a residual tempered martensite structure.