TTT diagram (Time-Temperature-Transformation)

A TTT diagram (Time-Temperature-Transformation diagram) shows how different conditions affect the way a metal, like steel, changes its internal structure over time. It plots temperature against time to indicate when and how different microstructures, such as soft or hard forms, form within the metal. This helps engineers predict the properties of a material after specific heat treatments, enabling control over strength, hardness, or ductility. Essentially, it’s a tool to understand and plan how heating and cooling processes influence a metal’s internal makeup and performance.