Structure of cast iron guides of small-shape mills after electron beam treatment

1.After electron beam treatment of the cast iron guides with an electron energy of E=1.5 MeV the structure of the surface layers consists of a- and ?-phases with a content in the latter of up to 1% C and also clusters ordered according to type Fe4C formed in the transition zone. In contrast to the original condition up to 10% austenite is observed in the transition zone of the iron. A ledeburite eutectic is formed in the surface and the transition zone to the base metal consists of fine crystalline martensite with areas of residual austenite, partially dissolved graphite inclusions, and ferrite grains. The fine crystalline martensite and the remaining ferrite grains are bordered with a troostite border.2.Electron beam treatment with fusion of the surface of guides with gray iron with a ferrite matrix causes strengthening of them to a depth of up to 0.6 mm.3.Production tests of the guides on the 250–2 mill in hot rolling of 8–10 mm wire in Western Siberia Metallurgical Combine showed an increase in their service life of 2 to 5.6 times.