Stainless steel: progress in thermomechanical treatment

Various types of thermomechanical treatments, such as controlled rolling followed by accelerated cooling (i.e. a thermomechanical control process [TMCP]) and intercritical heat treatment, have been developed in austenitic, ferritic, martensitic and duplex stainless steels in order to increase strength without sacrifice of ductility, toughness and corrosion resistance.