Stainless Steel Aerospace Products

Stainless Steel Aerospace Products

Stainless steel comes in different grades and surface finishes, depending on the application it will be used. Stainless steel alloys have a long history of use in the aerospace, marine, laboratory, production, and machinery industry. 

Stainless steels have high strength, and toughness. They used at both extremes of the temperature ends, and can be machined into any desired shape with CNC equipment.  These characteristics provide outstanding versatility in the most demanding applications.

Stainless steels are selected for their:

  • High strength to weight ratio
  • Corrosion resistance
  • Cryogenic resistance
  • Abrasion resistance
Grade US Aerospace/Military US Commercial
301 Annealed AMS 5901 Annealed sheet /strip ASTM A240 / ASME SA240
AMS 5902 3/4 Hard Sheet / Strip ASTM A666 / ASME SA666
MIL-S-5059
301 1/4 Hard AMS 5517 1/4 Hard Sheet /Strip ASTM A240 / ASME SA240
MIL-S-5059 ASTM A666 / ASME SA666
301 1/2 Hard AMS 5518 1/2 Hard Sheet / Strip ASTM A240 / ASME SA240
MIL-S-5059 ASTM A666 / ASME SA666
301 Full Hard AMS 5519 Full Hard Sheet / Strip ASTM A240 / ASME SA240
MIL-S-5059 ASTM A666 / ASME SA666
302 AMS 5500 Laminated sheet ASTM A240 / ASME SA240
AMS 5515 Sheet / strip Hi Ductility AISI 302
AMS 5516 Sheet / strip / plate
AMS 5600 Laminated sheet
AMS 5636 Bar Cold Drawn 100ksi
AMS 5637 Bar Cold Drawn 125ksi
MIL-S-5059
MIL-S-22499
303 AMS 5635 303Pb Bar / forging ASTM A320 Grade B8F Cl1
303Se AMS 5638 Bar / wire / forging ASTM A320 Grade B8F Cl2
303Sulf AMS 5640 Type 1 303Sulf Bar ASTM A484 / ASME SA484
AMS 5640 Type 2 303Se Bar ASTM A582 /ASME SA582
AMS 5641 303Se Free machine Bar AISI 303
ASM 5738 Free mach, High yield str
MIL-S-7720
MIL-W-52263
QQ-S-763
QQ-S-764
304 AMS 5501 Sheet / strip 125ksi ASTM A276 / ASME SA276
304L AMS 5511 Sheet /strip (ann) ASTM A479 / ASME SA479
304LVM (Vac Melt) AMS 5513 Sheet / strip (ann) ASTM A484 / ASME SA484
AMS 5560 Seamless tube
304 Tube AMS 5563 1/4Hd seamless/welded
AMS 5564 1/8Hd seamless/welded
AMS 5565 Welded tube
AMS 5566 Seamless/welded tube
AMS 5567 Seamless/welded tube
AMS 5569 Seamless/ welded tube
AMS 5575 Welded tube
AMS 5639 Bar / Forgings (304)
AMS 5647 Bar/Forgings (304L)
MIL-T-8506 Seamless /welded tube
MIL-T-5695 Seamless / welded tube
MIL-T-6845 Seamless / welded
MIL-T-8504 Seamless/welded tube
MIL-T-6737 Welded tube
QQ-S-763
309 AMS 5523 Sheet / strip / plate ASTM A276 / ASME SA276
AMS 5574 Seamless tube ASTM A479 / ASME SA479
AMS 5650 Bar / tube / forgings ASTM A484 / ASME SA484
AMS 5650 Bar Stock List ASTM A314 / ASME SA314
AMS QQ-A-793 ASTM A580 / ASME SA580
310 AMS 5521 Sheet / strip / plate ASTM A240 / ASME SA240
310S AMS 5572 Seamless tube ASTM A167 / ASME SA167
310S Tube AMS 5577 Welded tube ASTM A276 / ASME SA276
AMS 5651 Bar / wire / forging ASTM A479 / ASME SA479
QQ-S-763 ASTM A484 / ASME SA484
ASTM A176 / ASME SA176
316 AMS 5507 Sheet / strip/ plate (316L) ASTM A240 / ASME SA240
316L AMS 5524 Sheet / strip / plate (316) ASTM A167 / ASME SA167
316LVM (Vac Melt) AMS 5573 Seamless tube ASTM A666
316Ti AMS 5584 Seamless/welded tube ASTM A276 / ASME SA276
316 Tube AMS 5648 Bar / wire / forging (316) ASTM A479 / ASME A479
AMS 5649 Bar / wire / forging (FM) ASTM A484 / ASME SA484
AMS 5653 Bar / wire / forging (316L) ASTM F138
QQ-S-763 ASTM A320 Grd B8M
AMS-S-7720 ASTM A193 Grd B8M Cl1
MIL-S-5059
MIL-S-7720
317 QQ-S-763 ASTM A240 / ASME SA240
317L ASTM A249 / ASME SA249
ASTM A312 / ASME SA312
ASTM A409 / ASME A409
ASTM A276 / ASME SA276
ASTM A478 / ASME A478
ASTM A479 / ASME A479
ASTM A314 / ASME SA314
ASTM A473 / ASME SA473
ASTM A182 / ASME A182
ASTM A403 / ASME SA403
321 AMS 5510 Sheet / strip / plate ASTM A240 / ASME SA240
321 Tube AMS 5557 Welded/seamless tube ASTM A167 / ASME SA167
AMS 5559 Welded / thin wall tube ASTM A193 Grade B8T CL1
AMS 5570 Seamless tube ASTM A276 / ASME SA276
AMS 5576 Welded tube ASTM A314 / ASME SA314
AMS 5645 Bars / wire / forging ASTM A320 Grade B8T
MIL-S-6721 ASTM A479 / ASME A479
MIL-T-8606 Seamless tube ASTM A484 / ASME SA484
MIL-T-8606 Welded tube AISI 321
MIL-T-8808 Seamless tube
MIL-T-8808 Welded tube
QQ-S-766
330 AMS 5592 Sheet / strip/ plate ASTM B511 / ASME SB511
RA330 AMS 5716 Bars / wire / forging ASTM B512 / ASME SB512
AMS 5716 Bar Stock List ASTM B535 / ASME SB535
ASTM B536 / ASME SB536
ASTM B710 / ASME SB710
ASTM B739 / ASME SB739
347 AMS 5512 Sheet / strip / plate ASTM A240 / ASME SA240
347H AMS 5556 Seamless/ welded tube ASTM A167 / ASME SA167
347 Tube AMS 5558 Welded /thin wall tube ASTM A276 / ASME SA276
AMS 5571 Seamless tube ASTM A314 / ASME SA314
AMS 5575 Welded tube ASTM A479 / ASME A479
AMS 5646 Bars / wire / forging
AMS 5654 Bars (aircraft quality)
AMS 5674 Wire
AMS 5680 Wire
QQ-S-763
MIL-T-6737
MIL-T-8606 Seamless tube
MIL-T-8606 Welded tube
MIL-T-8808 Seamless tube
MIL-T-8808 Welded tube
MIL-S-6721
13-8Mo AMS 5629 Bar Type 1 Vac Melt ASTM A 564 Grade XM13
AMS 5629 Bar Stock List ASME SA564 Grade XM13
AMS 5864 Plate ASTM A693 / ASME SA693
ASTM A705 / ASME SA705
15-5Ph AMS 5659 Bars / Forgings ASTM A484 / ASME SA484
AMS 5826 Welding wire ASTM A564 Grade XM12
AMS 5862 sheet / strip / plate
AMS-H-6875
15-7Mo AMS 5520 Sheet / strip / plate
AMS 5657 Bars / forgings ASTM A693 Grade 632
ASTM A564
17-4Ph AMS 5604 Sheet / Strip / Plate ASTM A564 Grade 630
AMS 5622 (Vac Melt) Bar ASTM A484 / ASME SA484
AMS 5642 Bar ASTM A564 / ASME SA564
AMS 5643 Bar ASTM A693 / ASME SA693
MIL-S-25043
17-4 Tube
17-7Ph AMS 5528 Sheet / Strip / Plate ASTM A313 / ASME SA313
AMS 5529 Sheet/ Strip- Cond C ASTM A564 / ASME SA564
AMS 5568 Welded Tubing ASTM A579 / ASME SA579
AMS 5644 Bars / Forgings ASTM A693 / ASME SA693
AMS 5678 Wire ASTM A705 / ASME SA705
AMS 5824 Welding wire
MIL-S-25043
AMS 6345 Sheet / Plate, Normalised AISI 4130
4130 AMS 6346 Bar Hardened & Tempered ASTM A322
AMS 6350 Sheet / Plate ASTM A331
AMS 6351 Sheet / Plate, spheroidised
AMS 6370 Bar
AMS 6371 Tube
MIL-S-6758
MIL-S-18729
MIL-T-67366
AMS 6370/6346 Bar Stock List
4140 Ann AMS 6349 Bar ASTM S331
AMS 6382 Bar
AMS S 5626
MIL-S- 5626
AMS 6349/ 6382 Bar Stock List
4140 Normalised AMS 6349 ASTM A322
AMS 6382
AMS 6529
AMS S 5626
MIL-S-5626
4330 Mod VM N&T AMS 6411 ASTM A646
AMS 6427
MIL-S-8699
AMS 2300
AMS 6411 Bar Stock List
4340 AMS 6359 Sheet / strip / plate ASTM A322
E4340 AMS 6409 Bars / Forgings N&T ASTM A331
AMS 6414 Vac Melt Bars / Forgings AISI E4340
AMS 6415 Bars / Forgings
AMS 6484 Bars / Forgings N&T
AMS-S-5000
MIL-S-8844 Cl1
4620 Vac Melt AMS 6294 ASTM A331
MIL-S-7493
AMS 2300

American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Designation System

300's - Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel this series is austenitic, non-heat treatable, and non-magnetic.

400's - Chromium Stainless Steel this series is martensitic, heat treatable and magnetic. It also includes types, which are ferrite, non-heat treatable, and magnetic.

"L" at the end of the series number indicates low-carbon content. (Example: 304L)

"F" at the end of the series number indicates the addition of a "free-machining" element. (Example: 440F)

Other letters used at the end of the series number signify the symbol of the element added to the alloy. (Example: 440C - the C being the symbol for the Carbon additive)

 

Stainless Steel Classifications

There are four basic classes of stainless steels, so designated for the metallurgical conditions of the steels:

Class I: Martensitic - Heat treatable, Straight” Chromium

This class is so named for the man, Martens, who first examined metals microscopically. It is referred to as "martensitic" because of its acicular or needle-like microstructure in the hardened condition. Its chief alloying agent is chromium, found in amounts from 11.5 to 18.0%. It contains from 0.08 to 1.10% carbon. It is magnetic and responds excellently to heat treating, producing a hard and strong stainless steel.

Class II: Ferritic - Non-Heat treatable, Straight Chromium

This class name is derived from the Latin word "ferrum" meaning iron. It is so named because its microstructure is very similar to that of low-carbon iron. It also utilizes chromium as its chief alloying agent, being found in amounts from 14.0 to 27.0%. It has a very low carbon content of .08 to .20%. Due to its high chromium and low carbon content, ferritic alloys do not generally harden in high temperatures. It is a magnetic alloy, and is soft and ductile.

Class III: Austenitic - Non-Heat treatable, Chromium-Nickel

The austenitic class derives its name from Roberts-Austen who first observed its charac­teristic banded grain structure. Its chief alloys are: chromium, found in amounts from 16.0 to 26.0%; and a appreciable nickel content from 6.0 to 22.0%. This alloy cannot be heat treated, but responds excellently to cold working. It is generally non-magnetic. In the an­nealed condition, this alloy is tough, strong, and extremely ductile. Austenite itself is soft and tough and remains ductile even at extreme low temperatures.

Class IV: Precipitation-Hardening

This is a relatively new class metallurgists have deemed necessary to group separately be­cause of its increasing popularity. These alloys have low hardening temperatures that produce precipitation hardening. This capability averts problems such as warping, cracking, and scaling. They can be hardened by simple heat treatments, require no stress-relief treat­ment and are available in all forms. These grades are easily fabricated, and are corrosion resistant without added treatment. They are also known for their high strength. An American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Type designation has not been issued these grades, as they are patented proprietary.

 

Extra-Low-Carbon (ELC) Grades

These alloys contain only approximately .03% carbon, which is low enough to permit elimination of carbide precipitation during welding. These grades are not generally recommended for high-temperature utilization.

 

Effects of Alloying Elements 

Aluminum (Al) - acts as an active degasifier and deoxidizer. Controls inherent grain size.
Bismuth (Si) - acts to improve machinability.
Boron (B) - improves hardenability and increases depth of hardening. Usually found in amounts of .0005 to .003%. 
Carbon (C) - improves hardenability, and increases tensile strength and response to heat treatment when added in amounts of 0.8 to 0.9%. If amount is further increased, heat and cold workability would greatly decrease, and the alloy would begin to exhibit the character­istics of cast iron. 
Chromium (Cr) - gives stainless steel its stainless quality. Increases response to heat treatments and depth of hardness. In combination with nickel, greatly increases corrosion and oxidation resistance. Also increases toughness, tensile strength, and resistance to wear.
Cobalt (Co) - increases strength and hardenability of alloy. Improves effectiveness of other elements.
Columbium (Cb) - increases immunity to carbide precipitation and inter-granular corrosion.
Copper (Cu) - increases corrosion resistance and improves tensile and yield strengths with­out loss of ductility.
Iron (Fe) - this is the basic element of steel. Iron by itself lacks strength and does not respond to heat treatment; it is soft and ductile.
Lead (Pb) - greatly improves machinability in quantities of .15 to .35%. 
Manganese (Mn) - normally present in all steel. Increases strength, hardness and response to heat treatment in amounts of .5 to 15%. It acts as a degasifier and deoxidizer, and increases the alloy's resistance to wear. In combination with sulfur, improves forgeability.
Molybdenum (Me) - increases strength, hardness penetration, and machinability. Aids in resisting softening at high temperatures, and improves resistance to corrosion.
Nickel (Ni) - in amounts of 1.0 to 35% improves the strength and impact resistance without loss of ductility. Increases resistance to corrosion, but decreases work hardening. Improves machinability and fabricability.
Nitrogen (N) - can serve as a substitute for a portion of nickel in alloys. Improves machinability by producing a fine chip.
Phosphorus (P) - increases yield strength, hardness and machinability and greatly improves resistance to corrosion. Ductility is decreased at low temperatures.
Selenium (Se) - serves to improve machinability.
Silicon (Si) - it is a common degasifier and deoxidizer. Increases tensile strength, hardenability and forgeability. At high temperatures, resists corrosion and scaling.
Sulfur (S) - in amounts of .06 to .3%, increases machinability. It is not recommended for alloys used in hot forming. It decreases weldability and ductility.
Tantalum (Ta) - used primarily as a stabilizer. It also prevents localized carbon depletion. Tellurium (Te) - when added to leaded steels, greatly improves machinability.
Titanium (Ti) - serves to increase immunity to carbide precipitation and resistance to cor­rosion and oxidation.
Tungsten (W) - produces a fine, dense grain. Increases hardness in high-speed steel at high temperatures.
Vanadium (V) - increases shock resistance, strength, and hardness. Retards grain growth even after exposure to high temperatures.

 

Stainless Steel Sheet Finishes 

No. 1 Finish - this finish is mainly used for applications where appearance is secondary. It is hot rolled, annealed, and pickled.
No. 2B Finish - used primarily for drawn or formed parts, this is a bright, cold rolled sheet finish.
No. 2D Finish - this finish is similar in application to the 2B Finish, but is a dull, cold rolled sheet finish.
No. 3 Polish - a 100 grit abrasive belt is used here to produce a ground surface. This polish is a standard mill finish.
No. 4 Polish - a 150 grit abrasive belt is used here to produce a bright, highly polished surface. This process offers a finish that is not only beautiful, but is exceptionally corrosion resistant and easy to clean.
No. 6 Polish - a Tampico brush is used here for a contrasting trim and softness of appearance.
No. 7 Polish - this finish is the most highly reflective, having an extremely highly polished surface.

 

Type 301 

This grade is an austenitic stainless steel manufactured by-the electric furnace process. Its chromium and nickel content are lower than most other grades, offering the advantage of a high work-hardening rate which combines cold-worked high strength with good ductility. Tensile strength and hardness increase rapidly when the metal is cold rolled, cold drawn, or worked at room temperature. The standards of the aircraft industry are met by requiring adequate discard to be extracted from each ingot. Its application is indicated where low cost is desired and high corrosion resistance is not a primary concern.

Applications

Type 301 finds its primary usage in products necessitating great strength, but where working at elevated temperatures is not required. Used extensively in aircraft components, truck components and bodies, decorative applications, and etc.

Corrosion Resistance

Does not possess as high a degree of corrosion resistance as Type 302, but does remain unaffected by most normal atmospheric conditions.

 

Types 302, 304, 304L

Type 302 is the fundamental alloy of the austenitic class. It is commonly known as "18-8": 18% chromium; 8% nickel; and is the most commonly used of all the stainless grades, Type 302 is non-heat treatable, but cold-working considerably increases both its hardness and tensile strength. Type 302 in the cold state offers great versatility of workability because of its toughness and ductility and can be rigorously spun, rolled, drawn or machined. It offers outstanding weldability. It is extremely resistant to corrosion, and retains an untarnished silvery surface. It is also resistant to heat oxidation at temperatures up to 1500° F. It is non-magnetic in the annealed condition. The principal drawback of Type 302 is that of sensitization-under extreme conditions, carbide precipitation may occur. Type 304 alleviates this problem by decreasing the carbon content and thereby eliminating the possibility of intergranular corro­sion. This low carbon alloy is most often utilized for applications requiring welding. An Extra Low Carbon alloy, Type 304L is also available for especially severe welding applications. Type 304L has the capability to avert any detrimental precipitation in the extreme 800° F. to 1650° F. range.

Applications

Both types are extremely popular in the food and dairy industries and for use in pharmaceutical equipment. It is exceedingly useful in applications where good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance are essential. It is highly desirable for products such as instrumentation where non-magnetism is fundamental. These grades are available in a wide range of forms and finishes.

Corrosion Resistance

Types 302, 304 and 304L exhibit good corrosion resistant qualities, particularly those corro­sions caused by atmospheric conditions or chemicals. They lose some resistance at temper­atures of about 750° F. to 1500° F. due to carbide precipitation. Type 304L however, has excellent corrosion resistant capabilities within this temperature range because of its low carbon content. Maximum corrosion resistance in all these grades can be achieved by annealing.

 

Types 303S & 303Se

Types 303S and 303Se are both free-machining modifications of Type 302. Sulfur or a combination of selenium and phosphorus are added to this "18-8" chromium-nickel alloy to promote chip formation in machining rather than spindly spirals. Type 303 has uniform machinability and can be machined at speeds of SAE 3120, 3145, and 4615, adapting it very well for automatic screw machine applications. Manufactured by the electric-furnace process, this is a non-heat treatable alloy, the hardness and tensile strength of which may be increased greatly by cold working. It has good corrosion resistance, and is non- magnetic in the annealed state. It concurs with the stringent requirements of the aircraft industry.

Applications

Type 303 is most commonly used in applications requiring extensive machining, and where corrosion resistance, non-magnetism, and a good surface finish is imperative. Common utilizations of this alloy include aircraft fittings, shafts, spindles, and automatic screw machine applications.

Corrosion Resistance

Because of the additions of sulfur or selenium, the corrosion resistance of Type 303 is slightly lower than that of the other austenitic alloys. However, annealing increases its resistance to corrosion substantially.

 

Type 310

Type 310 is the grade of stainless steel containing the highest chromium-nickel content of all grades - 25% chromium, 20% nickel, It is chiefly known for its superior scaling and corrosion resistance and it excels all other grades in its high temperature physical properties. At extremely high temperatures, its creep strength and resistance to brittling far surpasses all other austenitic grades. In the annealed state it is non-magnetic. Type 310 is a non-heat treatable alloy pro­duced by the electric-furnace process, which concurs with the exacting standards of the aircraft industry.

Applications

Type 310 finds primary utilization in applications requiring excellent heat and oxidation resistance and where superior strength is a must. Common applications are found in the aircraft industry for engine parts and parts requiring welding, oil refinery equipment, heat exchangers and furnace parts, etc.

Corrosion Resistance

This grade possesses excellent corrosion resistance and withstands scaling at temperatures up to 2000° F. Its corrosion resistance reaches a maximum in the annealed condition.

 

Types 316 & 316L

Type 316 is an electric furnace processed modification of Type 302: it contains 18% chromium; 8% nickel, and; 2-3% molybdenum. This addition of molybdenum increases both the corrosion resistance and the high temperature strength of this alloy. The most outstanding advantage of this addition is the increased corrosion resistance to reducing acids and pitting or pin hole corrosion. In general, Type 316 is known as the major all-around corrosion resistant austenitic stainless steel available. Under extremely elevated temperatures, Type 31 6 proves itself to possess remarkable creep and rupture strength, This non-heat treatable, non-magnetic alloy possesses excellent cold forming and drawing properties, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Type 316L is an extra low carbon modification of Type 316 recommended for use during welding operations. The low carbon factor eliminates the possibility of harmful carbide precipitation in the 800° F. to 1500° F. range.

Applications

Type 316 and Type 316L find their greatest use in the chemical, textile, paper, pharmaceutical, and photographic industries because of their excellent resistance to chemical corrosion. They also find use where the combination of corrosion resistance and extremely high strength at elevated temperatures is necessary.

Corrosion Resistance

Type 316 is known to be more resistant to atmospheric and chemical corrosion than any other grade of the stainless steels. Maximum corrosion resistance may be obtained by fully anneal­ing this alloy. If the application calls for welding, Type 316L should be used as it is highly resistant to carbide precipitation and intergranular corrosion. Which usually occurs at high temperatures.

 

Type 321

Type 321 is an electric-furnace processed austenitic stainless steel. It is non-heat treatable and non-magnetic in the annealed condition. This alloy contains 18% chromium, 8% nickel and a substantial addition of titanium. The titanium forms insoluble and stable carbide, which ties up all the carbon in the alloy and therefore prevents it from precipitating as chromium carbides. This leaves the chromium in solution to resist corrosion to a very high degree. This is extremely beneficial in applications of temperatures ranging from 800° F, to 1600° F., as it eliminates the necessity for re-annealing after fabrication.

Applications

Type 321 is used principally for applications involving welding or sustained elevated tem­perature operations where re-annealing is not practical, It is used extensively in the aircraft and missile industries for engine parts, heat exchangers, exhaust stacks, rocket engines, manifolds, and etc.

Corrosion Resistance

This alloy is extremely resistant to intergranular corrosion and has very good corrosion resis­tance in weld areas. It has slightly less corrosion resistance to atmospheric conditions than Type 302 or Type 304 in the annealed condition.

 

Type 347

Type 347 is a non-heat treatable, austenitic, electric furnace processed grade of stainless steel very similar in composition to Type 321. The major difference between Type 321 and Type 347 is that rather than having an addition of titanium, Type 347 has columbium added to it. Tantalum occurs in nature in conjunction with columbium and therefore it may be said that both are additives to this alloy. Type 347 can withstand more severely elevated temperatures than Type 321, as the resulting columbium carbide is more stable and insoluble than the titanium carbide. The only drawback in the use of Type 347 as opposed to Type 321 is that it is not recommended for use in radioactive services as radioactive tantalum has a much longer half-life than columbium. It is non-magnetic in the annealed state.

Applications

Type 347 is mainly used where corrosion resistance and sustained operations at temperatures between 800° F. and 1600° F. is of the utmost importance. It is also a superior grade for use on heavy welded objects, which cannot be re-annealed. It finds its principal applications in aircraft and missile engines, high temperature equipment in chemical industry, manifolds, furnace and blower parts, and etc.

Corrosion Resistance

Resistance to intergranular corrosion and carbide precipitation is excellent with this grade. Its general atmospheric corrosion resistance is good, being similar to that of Type 302.

 

Type 410

Type 410 is a magnetic, martensitic, heat treatable alloy that is 12% straight chromium. It has excellent creep strength and corrosion resistance. Heat treatments may be applied to develop a very wide range of mechanical properties and hardness. It is popularly used for parts operating at temperatures up to 850° F.

Applications

Because of its high strength and versatility in heat treatment applicability, and because of its good mechanical and machining properties, Type 410 finds usage in a wide range of applica­tions. It is used for low-cost cutlery, food industry machine parts, pump shafts, valve parts, compressor shrouds, and abrasive applications. It is not generally recommended for high-stress usage above 1200° F.

Corrosion Resistance

Type 410 has excellent corrosion resistance to normal atmospheric conditions discoloration or a rusty film may occur under some conditions, but destructive scaling will not occur. It reaches its maximum corrosion resistance when hardened and polished.

 

Type 416

Type 416 is an electric furnace processed, magnetic, free-machining grade of the martensitic stainless steels. It is a modification of Type 410 with approximately .30% sulfur added for excellent machinability. Like Type 410, it has an exceptionally wide range of mechanical properties obtainable through heat treating, This grade of stainless steel has the highest machinability of all grades now developed, and can often be used in the "as machined" condition without heat treatment.

Applications

Because of its excellent machinability, corrosion resistance, and high strength. Type 416 is normally used for applications requiring extensive or high speed machining such as: nuts and bolts; pump parts; screw machine parts; and etc.

Corrosion Resistance

This grade has very good overall corrosion resistance to normal atmospheric conditions, mildly corrosive chemicals, and acidic or alkaline water. Hardening and polishing increases its corrosion to its maximal level. Resists scaling at temperatures up to approximately 1300° F.

 

15-5 PH Precipitation Hardening

15-5 PH is a chromium-nickel alloy containing a 5% copper additive, which permits it to be hardened by low temperature heat treatments. The high percentages of chromium and nickel give-15-5 PH excellent corrosion resistance, transverse toughness and forgeability. This alloy is produced by the vacuum arc re-melt method, which enhances ductility and toughness. 15-5 PH has excellent physical and mechanical properties and may be deep drawn, forged, welded and formed.

Applications

15-5 PH is very similar both in composition and application to 17-7 PH. Because of its high strength and excellent corrosion resistance, 15-5 PH finds extensive use in the aircraft and missile industries for parts ranging from instrumentation to landing gear components.

Corrosion Resistance

15-5 PH has excellent overall corrosion resistance, being comparable to that of Type 304 in most media. Heat-treating increases to the highest degree its resistance to stress-corrosion cracking.

 

17-4PH Precipitation Hardening

17-4 PH is a chromium-nickel alloy that has a 4% copper additive, which enables it to be hardened by very low-temperature heat treatments known as precipitation hardening. The high percentages of chromium and nickel give this alloy excellent corrosion resistance, physical properties, and a high level of strength at temperatures up to 800° F. The major advantage of low temperature heat treatments is the elimination of distortion and scaling. 17-4 PH has excellent mechanical properties and may easily be welded, deep drawn, forged, and severely formed.

Applications

This alloy is excellently suited for applications requiring high strength, good corrosion resist­ance and good resistance to seizing and galling. 17-4 PH finds extensive use in the aircraft and missile fields, for motor shafts, instrument parts, gears, and etc.

Corrosion Resistance

The corrosion resistance of 17-4 PH is slightly less-than-the superior resistance of the chro­mium-nickel grades, but is somewhat higher than the straight chromium grades. It possesses very good corrosion resistance against all atmospheric conditions. Finish and heat treatment affect the level of corrosion resistance beneficially.

 

17-7PH Precipitation Hardening

17-7 PH contains 17% chromium, 7% nickel and 1% aluminum. It is a precipitation hardening steel capable of reaching very high strength and hardness without any loss of corrosion resist­ance. Surface scaling and distortion in heat treatment is eliminated by its ability to be treated at very low temperatures. In the annealed condition, it has excellent ductility and machine­ability. It retains remarkable mechanical and physical properties at temperatures up to 800° F.

Applications

17-7 PH is used for applications necessitating high strength, good corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. Characteristic applications include surgical instruments, springs, bearings, aircraft panels, and etc.

Corrosion Resistance

The corrosion resistance of 17-7 PH is superior to the straight chromium grades. Surface finish and aged heat treatments tend to have a beneficial effect upon the corrosion resistance of 17-7 PH.