Abstract: The paper analyses the effect of cutting techniques on the structure
and properties of low-alloy martensitic steels. Tests involved steels characterised
by increased abrasive wear resistance. The test steels were provided by four steel
manufacturers. The cutting process was performed using a gas torch, plasma,
abrasive waterjet and a band saw. The research work included hardness measurements
of plates in the pre-treatment state, the distribution of hardness in the cut
zone, measurements of surface roughness after cutting as well as metallographic
tests of the base material (BM) and the heat affected zone (HAZ). The cutting
method significantly affected the operational properties of abrasion-resistant
steels. In terms of the surface quality, the most favourable results were obtained
using the plasma cutting process, which was confirmed by related measurements
of surface roughness. The cutting process involving the use of gas torches and
plasma led to the deterioration of the mechanical properties of the steel in the
cut zone. The aforesaid result could be ascribed to the formation of the HAZ in
this area, the morphology of which was similar to the HAZ formed during the
welding process. The hardness measurements and metallographic tests concerning
the cut zone revealed a significant decrease in steel hardness, resulting from
heat-triggered structural changes.

doi: 10.17729/ebis.2020.2/9