Process for making a metallic article with improved resistance to surface cracking during cold forming

摘要

A process for improving the cold workability of a metallic article is disclosed. The process includes compressive working followed by heat treatment of a metallic article to provide a duplex microstructure including relatively fine grains near the surface and relatively coarse grains near the center of the article. The duplex microstructure improves the surface cracking resistance of the article during subsequent compressive cold forming, such as by cold heading.