ASTM A693 17-7PH Cold Rolled Stainless Steel Sheet SUS631 Strip

Introduction of Martensitic and precipitation hardening grades
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.

Typical applications for martensitic grades:

1.  cutting utensils
2.  surgical and dental Instruments
3.  fasteners, springs and ball bearings
4.  press plates
5.  steam and gas turbines

Precipitation hardening grades have higher alloying contents than martensitic grades.
They contain nickel, and in order to achieve hardening by aging additions of copper, aluminium, titanium,

niobium and molybdenum.
Depending on chemical composition their microstructure after final heat treatment is austenitic,

semi-austenitic or martensitic.

Typical applications for precipitation hardening grades:

1.  retaining rings, spring holders, springs
2.  chains, valves and gears
3.  aircraft parts
4.  pressure vessels and seals

Product properties
High strength and hardness distinguish martensitic stainless steels from the other stainless steel families.
After austenitizing cooling is performed in air, water or oil, depending on steel grade.

If the intended application requires a high level of hardness (e.g. knives, HRC55),
only stress relief annealing will be performed. Normally martensitic stainless steels are tempered in order

to acquire useful mechanical properties, i.e. a certain level of toughness (A5 ≥ 15 %).

Nickel-martensitic steels are superior to traditional martensitic grades regarding strength in combination

with toughness.

Their microstructure contains stable austenite after hardening and tempering which accounts for good

toughness without drawbacks concerning corrosion resistance. 

Precipitation hardening stainless steels provide remarkable levels of high strength and hardness in a

very wide range. With the exception of the martensitic alloys (e.g. 1.4542) cold formability is satisfactory.

Weldability
Traditional martensitic steels with a carbon content > 0.20 % are difficult to weld; assistance is advised.

The hardenable high-carbon grades are not suitable for welding.
Low-carbon nickel-martensitic grades have relatively good weldability.
Welding of precipitation hardened grades is possible, but depending on grade some limitations might

have to be regarded.

Corrosion resistance
Corrosion resistance of martensitic stainless steels may vary considerably depending on chemical

composition (C, Cr, Mo), surface finish and especially heat treatment. Smooth polished surfaces experience

higher resistance than rougher finishes.

 In terms of heat treatment the hardened condition is more favourable, since the elements promoting

corrosion resistance are in solution and therewith effective.
Tempering may lead to carbide precipitation which impairs corrosion resistance.

This is always the case for traditional martensitic grades, whereas nickel-martensitic grades with

max 0.06 % carbon and 3-6 % nickel (e.g. 1.4313 and 1.4418) do not sacrifice corrosion resistance by tempering.

Corrosion resistance of precipitation hardening steels is higher compared with heat treatable martensitic

stainless steels ranking between ferritic Cr and austenitic CrNi steels.

For Details, please Contact

WUXI GUANGLU Special Steel Co., Ltd.

Stainless martensitic • precipitation hardening steel • stainless ferritic — Our answer to your needs

Tel: +86 510 81812873

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