Microtreatment of Iron-Based Alloy, Apparatus and Method Therefor, and Microstructure Resulting Therefrom

This invention relates to a multi-phase transformation of an iron and carbon-containing alloy. While the phenomena for this cooling transformation are not fully understood, multiple theories are present. The first theory is that since the alloy is rapidly heated and carbon leveling has not occurred, carbon enriched areas transform to a first phase, perhaps martensite, while lesser carbon areas may transform to a second phase, perhaps bainite. Thus a dual phase alloy is produced.