Hi, im new to this forum and i have a question.

We hardening and tempering clip made of steel C22 - Link and we had problems with different hardness. Hardness requirements is 38-42HRc. Hardness measuring after tempering. The first image shows the microstructure of a softer clip(23HRc), second is the microstructure a harder clip(39HRc). What do you mean?

I think that the first clip did not achievement the austenitization temperature and therefore we have a ferritic microstructure and the material is too soft.

In the second picture, the clip has achievement a temperature of austenitizing and we have a martensitic microstructure and hardness high enough.


First image:

Second image:


I'm thinking right?


Thanks for your help.