Effect of Hot Forging Process on Mechanical and Microstructure Characteristics of 37Cr4 Steel

Considering the increasing availability of several advanced manufacturing technologies, metal-forming methods continue to be highly sought after in numerous industrial sectors, encompassing fields such as transportation and medical applications. The utilization of hot-working techniques enhances the performance characteristics of 37Cr4 steel, rendering it suitable for application in the manufacturing process of crankshafts. In the present investigation, the 37Cr4 cast alloy was subjected to varying preheating temperatures (950, 1050, and 1150 °C) before to conducting the forging process. The mechanical characteristics, such as strength and hardness, were assessed by the utilization of a universal testing machine and a Brinell hardness tester. The examination of the microstructure of the forged samples was conducted using a microscope. The findings of the study indicate that elevating the forging temperature from 950 to 1050 °C followed by a reduction in grain size of 1–2 µm and an enhancement in hardness (255 BHN) by 40%. Conversely, a drop in hardness of 216 BHN was observed when the forging temperature was adjusted to 1150 °C. Based on the evidence, it can be inferred that the tensile properties of the alloy were enhanced as an outcome of the forging process, primarily due to the reduction in grain size leading to a finer and more refined microstructure.