This contribution presents a new intensive forming method for producing ultra-fine-grained steels for cold forming and machining applications. As a thermomechanical process, the XTP (R)-Technology offers a possibility to enhance the mechanical properties of conventional grades beyond their limits. This is demonstrated on the hand of two commercially available steels: 7MnB8 and 13MnSiCr7. In the case of 7MnB8, the room temperature toughness is increased by 150 J and the transition temperature is reduced by 100 K compared to the hot rolled state. XTP (R)-processing of 13MnSiCr7 allows for the adjustment of UTS values of up to 1250 MPa and room temperature toughness values of 190 J. Further technology development aims at the processing of high strength materials such as Titanium alloys. Based on these examples, the advantages of the XTP (R)-Technology are discussed with respect to the resulting microstructures and following forming operations. The wide variety of adjustable microstructures enables the variation of both strength and toughness within a given range depending on each unique application. Thus, tailoring of the mechanical properties on customers' demand becomes possible.
