| Abstract: | Shape control by local heating is often used in processing of structural steels. Experience has proven that normalised steels are suitable for this operation if it is carried out properly. In the last years thermomechanically controlled rolled (TMCP) steels have been developed. For their application it was necessary to investigate the response of this steel type to flame straightening. Two essential processing conditions must be considered: heating limited to the surface and heating of the full material thickness. The temperatures were varied from 650 to 950°C by different heat inputs. Tensile and Charpy impact tests have proven that within this temperature range the investigated steels (S355ML -EN10113) were not affected. For conditions of wedge heating a drop in the mechanical properties was observed if the temperatures exceeded 650°C. Both limits, 950°C in line heating and 650°C in wedge heating allow an effective shaping of steel constructions. Experienced operators can easily respect these limitations. Hence the TMCP steels are suitable for flame straightening. |
