What is precipitation hardened steel? Characteristics and classification of precipitation hardened steel?

Precipitation hardened steel is a special alloy, combining the advantages of martensitic and austenitic steels. Through specialized heat treatment, this steel becomes extremely strong and flexible. The most obvious difference with precipitated stainless steels is the ability to adjust ductility to achieve the desired level of tensile strength. Specifically, its tensile strength can range from 850 MPa up to 1,700 MPa, depending on the processing and handling process. This creates a material with high load-carrying capacity and durability in a variety of environmental conditions.

Precipitation Hardened Stainless Steel: Definition and History

What is Precipitation Hardened?

Precipitation Hardened steel is a hardened steel created through a special heat treatment process, using raw materials such as iron, chromium, nickel and additional elements such as aluminum, copper, molybdenum, titanium, niobium. With tensile properties from 850 MPa to 1,700 MPa and tensile yield from 520 MPa to more than 1,500 MPa, this steel is often cold worked before heat treatment to enhance its load-bearing capacity.

What is Precipitation Hardened?

History of Precipitation Hardened Steel

When did Precipitation Hardened steel appear? In 1929, William J. Kroll, who discovered titanium, was a pioneer in researching and discovering the concept of precipitation, which contributed to the hardening of stainless steel.

By 1940, with the development of the concept and application of metal hardening, martensitic stainless steel became the first generation to be produced.

After 8 years, in 1948, Armco company introduced 17-4 PH steel to the market, which was widely used in making aircraft landing frames, screws and engine parts. The next generation of this steel is 15-5 PH steel, created by adjusting the chromium and nickel content in 17-4 PH steel.

Today, with the development of science and technology, Precipitation Hardened Steel has become a top choice, especially in the aerospace field.

Precipitation Hardened Steel Types and Properties

Precipitation Hardened steels are not just one, but are classified into four distinct groups, each with distinct properties and applications as follows:

Precipitation Hardened Steel Types and Properties

PH semi-austenitic stainless steel

The main characteristic of these steels is ductility, which is created during the cold forming process, making them more desirable than martensitic PH steels which tend to be too hard.

Austenitic PH stainless steel

This type of steel has high hardness and strength, however its hardness is still lower than that of martensitic and semi-austenitic alloys.

PH welded stainless steel

When welded, this type of steel can experience reduced strength and hardness, which can lead to significant changes in the structure of the metal.

Martensitic PH stainless steel

Martensitic PH steel is considered the highest strength steel of all. The internal crystal structure is precipitated into small particles, creating high hardness and good bearing capacity.

Precipitation Hardened Steel Production Process and Applications

Precipitation Hardened Steel Production Process

Stage 1: Treat and dissolve the precipitate

The complex metallurgical process of Precipitation Hardened Steel begins with a solution treatment stage, in which the material is heated to dissolve the precipitate and minimize alloy segregation. Once dissolved, the material is ready for the next stage.

Stage 2: Cooling

After the processing stage, the material is cooled rapidly, usually by quenching the alloy at a high rate.

Stage 3: Precipitation

During this step, the material is subjected to higher, but moderate, temperatures to form precipitate layers in the material. This process effectively strengthens the alloy.

Precipitation Hardened Steel Production Process

Application of Precipitation Hardened Steel

Precipitation Hardened steel is widely used in many different fields:

– In the oil and gas field: Used for gates, valves, machine parts, retaining rings, spring holders, and many other applications.

– In the automotive field: Increases durability for engine parts, gears, shafts, pistons, and other components.

– In the aviation field: Used in aircraft engines, turbine blades, valve bodies, aircraft molds, and other applications.

– In the aerospace field: Ensuring performance and safety for turbine blades, spacecraft landing gear and other equipment in harsh environments.

Application of Precipitation Hardened Steel

Price of Precipitation Hardened Steel

The price of Precipitation Hardened Steel may vary depending on many factors such as alloy composition, quantity purchased, market requirement, and price from supplier. This steel often costs more than other types of stainless steel due to its specialized nature and complex manufacturing process. For specific prices, you should contact the supplier directly to request a quote.

Hoa Giang Stainless Steel – Trusted partner in supplying stainless steel

Choosing the right type of stainless steel at a reasonable price is sometimes a challenge for customers. However, at Hoa Giang Stainless Steel, we are committed to supporting customers in choosing the right type of steel for their specific needs.

We understand that each project and each application requires stainless steel with different properties and qualities. With industry experience and expertise, our team will advise you on the most suitable stainless steel grades for your needs, from basic properties to application-specific properties.

Hoa Giang Stainless Steel Company – One of the leading units providing consulting and design of quality stainless steel passenger elevators

Let Hoa Giang Inox become your trusted partner in providing quality stainless steel products and professional consulting services. We are always committed to bringing absolute satisfaction and trust to our customers.

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