This invention relates to a steel for automobile engine pistons and its manufacturing method. The
chemical composition of the steel, by weight percentage, is: C: 0.41–0.47%, Si: 0.15–0.35%, Mn: 0.70–1.00%, Cr: 1.10–1.40%, P: ≤0.020%, S: 0.015–0.035%, Mo: 0.17–0.27%, Al: 0.010–0.030%, N: 0.0040–0.0060%, with the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities. The
microstructure consists of ferrite and
pearlite, with uniform distribution of ferrite and
pearlite structures. The geometric center distance between each ferrite and
pearlite structure is 15–30 μm. The hot-rolled
hardness of the steel is ≤230 HBW, and the banded structure in the steel is ≤1.5 grade. The product features a
narrow range of carbon deviation in cross-section, shallow decarburized layer and microcrack depth on the steel surface, low hot-rolled
hardness, good banded structure, and high tensile strength after
quenching and
tempering.