All about Thermo Mechanical Treatment

Thermo Mechanical Treatment is a process for constructing steel bars used for specific purposes. In this article, you will be delivered a brief about this concept, the process of this treatment, the uses, and the manufacturers of TMT steel.

What is TMT steel?

TMT stands for Thermo Mechanical Treatment; it is a thermochemical process that generates steel bars. They have a longer life and are found to be more resistant to corrosion. 

How is a TMT bar made?

Manufacturing a TMT bar requires the following long process. Here is a broad outline of the various stages and procedures a TMT bar goes through.

Iron to steel-

1. Extraction of iron from its ore:

The first step is to get iron from its ore. This happens in a blast furnace at a very high temperature. The process is also known as de-oxidizing as from the iron ore or hematite, which contains iron oxide (Fe2O3), the oxygen is removed. Limestone is the compound that removes impurities from the iron, forming a molten slog.

2. Transformation of iron to steel:

a. Primary stage-

In an oxygen furnace, there is a process known as pre-treatment. The iron is exposed to oxygen and carbon; this gets rid of the carbon-di-oxide.

b. Secondary stage-

The steel from the pre-treatment is refined in an electric arc furnace. The molten steel goes through a hardening process. In a continuous casting machine, the mould of steel is created from its liquid form.

c. Tertiary stage-

This is the final stage of steel’s formation. This is the solidification of the mould to the steel we use, depending on the size and requirement. 

Thermo Mechanical Treatment (TMT) with the steel:

1. Quenching-

This is the first step of this treatment which deals with the cooling of the metal. The hot-rolled metal bars are subjected to thermex technology, where the outer core of the metal is cooled using water sprays. This hardening process makes the metal more ductile and hot.

2. Self-tempering- 

The heated metal now transfers heat across the core, which reaches the outermost layer known as martensite; hence it is called tempered martensite.

3. Atmosphere cooling-

Now the self-tempered metal is ready for going through the cooling process. It again works on the outer core creating a ferrite-pearlite structure. The outer core is now more ductile, weldable, and stronger in its tensile capacity.

Uses of TMT bar:

● Civil construction purposes:

a. Building dams and bridges.

b. Constructing railway tracks and highways.

c. Making flyovers.

● Earthquake resistant buildings: 

Due to its durability and flexibility, it helps to resist shocks and damages to buildings.

● Fire-resistant areas:

TMT bars can withstand large amounts of heat.

TMT bar manufacturers-

Currently, there are several manufacturers of TMT bars like JSW Neo steel in India. When you choose to purchase from a company, you can compare prices, material, and whether it fulfills your specifics.

TMT bars result from advanced technology that modifies the traditional steel, escalating its utility to make corrosion-free structures.