Introduction:
Martensitic
and precipitation hardening stainless steels are heat treatable and can
therefore provide hardness and strength in a wide range. Allowing to
workability they are supplied in solution annealed condition. The downstream
manufacturer performs final heat treatment to meet the mechanical properties
required.
Martensitic
grades are basically Fe-Cr alloys with a higher carbon content than ferritics
which enables them to harden on cooling in air, oil or water. Depending on
grade and intended use, ductility is improved by tempering.
Martensitic
PH steels are used in aerospace, chemical and petrochemical, and food
processing applications.
Applications
include:
- Gears
- Valves and other engine components
- High strength shafts
- Turbine blades
- Moulding dies
- Nuclear waste casks
Precipitation
hardening stainless steels have many advantages, due to their
chromium and nickel content, such as :
- Ability to gain high strength through heat
treatment
- Corrosion resistance
- High tensile strengths
- Can be supplied in a “solution treated” condition,
which is readily machinable
- Can be age-hardening, so material undergoes
no distortion
