Custom 455 Stainless Steel: Properties and Key Applications
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Table Of Content
Custom 455 Stainless Steel is a high-performance martensitic stainless steel known for its excellent combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication. Classified as a martensitic stainless steel, it primarily contains chromium and nickel as its alloying elements, which significantly influence its properties. The steel is designed to achieve high hardness and strength through heat treatment while maintaining good ductility and toughness.
One of the most significant characteristics of Custom 455 is its ability to be heat-treated to achieve a high hardness level, making it suitable for applications requiring wear resistance. The steel exhibits good corrosion resistance, particularly in environments that are mildly corrosive. Its inherent properties include a high tensile strength, good fatigue resistance, and the ability to withstand high temperatures, making it a versatile choice for various engineering applications.
Advantages and Limitations
Advantages:
- High Strength and Hardness: Custom 455 can achieve high hardness levels through heat treatment, making it ideal for applications requiring strength.
- Good Corrosion Resistance: It offers decent resistance to oxidation and corrosion, particularly in mild environments.
- Fabrication Ease: The steel can be easily machined and welded, allowing for versatile manufacturing processes.
Limitations:
- Lower Corrosion Resistance Compared to Austenitic Grades: While it has good corrosion resistance, it is not as resistant as austenitic stainless steels like 304 or 316.
- Brittleness in Certain Conditions: The high hardness can lead to brittleness, particularly if not properly heat-treated.
Custom 455 is not as commonly used as some other stainless steel grades but has gained recognition in specific applications, particularly in the aerospace and automotive industries due to its unique properties.
Alternative Names, Standards, and Equivalents
| Standard Organization | Designation/Grade | Country/Region of Origin | Notes/Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNS | S45500 | USA | Closest equivalent to AISI 630 |
| AISI/SAE | 455 | USA | Martensitic stainless steel |
| ASTM | A313 | USA | Standard specification for stainless steel wire |
| EN | 1.4542 | Europe | Similar properties to AISI 630 |
| JIS | SUS 630 | Japan | Minor compositional differences to be aware of |
The table above highlights some of the standards and equivalents for Custom 455 Stainless Steel. Notably, while S45500 and AISI 630 are often considered equivalent, there may be subtle differences in composition and mechanical properties that could affect performance in specific applications.
Key Properties
Chemical Composition
| Element (Symbol and Name) | Percentage Range (%) |
|---|---|
| C (Carbon) | 0.05 - 0.15 |
| Cr (Chromium) | 16.0 - 18.0 |
| Ni (Nickel) | 0.5 - 1.5 |
| Mo (Molybdenum) | 0.0 - 0.5 |
| Si (Silicon) | 0.0 - 1.0 |
| Mn (Manganese) | 0.0 - 1.0 |
| P (Phosphorus) | ≤ 0.04 |
| S (Sulfur) | ≤ 0.03 |
The primary alloying elements in Custom 455 include chromium and nickel, which enhance its corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. Chromium contributes to the formation of a passive oxide layer, improving corrosion resistance, while nickel enhances toughness and ductility. The controlled carbon content allows for the development of high hardness through heat treatment.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Condition/Temper | Test Temperature | Typical Value/Range (Metric) | Typical Value/Range (Imperial) | Reference Standard for Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | Annealed | Room Temp | 620 - 750 MPa | 90 - 109 ksi | ASTM E8 |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | Annealed | Room Temp | 450 - 600 MPa | 65 - 87 ksi | ASTM E8 |
| Elongation | Annealed | Room Temp | 10 - 15% | 10 - 15% | ASTM E8 |
| Hardness (Rockwell C) | Annealed | Room Temp | 30 - 40 HRC | 30 - 40 HRC | ASTM E18 |
| Impact Strength | Annealed | -40°C (-40°F) | 40 - 60 J | 30 - 44 ft-lbf | ASTM E23 |
The mechanical properties of Custom 455 make it suitable for applications that require high strength and toughness. Its tensile strength and yield strength values indicate that it can withstand significant loads, while its elongation percentage suggests good ductility, allowing it to deform without fracturing. The hardness values indicate that it can resist wear and abrasion effectively.
Physical Properties
| Property | Condition/Temperature | Value (Metric) | Value (Imperial) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | - | 7.75 g/cm³ | 0.28 lb/in³ |
| Melting Point | - | 1450 - 1500 °C | 2642 - 2732 °F |
| Thermal Conductivity | 20 °C | 25 W/m·K | 14.5 BTU·in/h·ft²·°F |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 20 °C | 500 J/kg·K | 0.12 BTU/lb·°F |
| Electrical Resistivity | 20 °C | 0.72 µΩ·m | 0.72 µΩ·in |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 20 - 100 °C | 16.0 x 10⁻⁶/K | 8.9 x 10⁻⁶/°F |
The physical properties of Custom 455 are critical for its performance in various applications. The density indicates that it is relatively heavy, which can be advantageous in applications requiring stability. The melting point suggests that it can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for high-temperature applications. The thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity values indicate that it can effectively manage heat, which is essential in thermal applications.
Corrosion Resistance
| Corrosive Agent | Concentration (%) | Temperature (°C/°F) | Resistance Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorides | 3.5 | 25 °C (77 °F) | Fair | Risk of pitting |
| Sulfuric Acid | 10 | 25 °C (77 °F) | Poor | Not recommended |
| Acetic Acid | 5 | 25 °C (77 °F) | Good | Moderate resistance |
| Sea Water | - | 25 °C (77 °F) | Fair | Risk of localized corrosion |
Custom 455 exhibits good resistance to many corrosive environments but is susceptible to pitting and crevice corrosion, particularly in chloride-rich environments. Compared to austenitic stainless steels like 316, which offer superior corrosion resistance, Custom 455 may not be the best choice for highly corrosive applications. However, it performs adequately in mildly corrosive environments, making it suitable for various industrial applications.
Heat Resistance
| Property/Limit | Temperature (°C) | Temperature (°F) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Continuous Service Temp | 400 °C | 752 °F | Suitable for high-temperature applications |
| Max Intermittent Service Temp | 425 °C | 797 °F | Short-term exposure only |
| Scaling Temperature | 600 °C | 1112 °F | Risk of oxidation beyond this limit |
Custom 455 maintains its mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for applications that involve heat exposure. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures above 400 °C can lead to oxidation and degradation of its mechanical properties. Therefore, careful consideration of service conditions is essential when selecting this steel for high-temperature applications.
Fabrication Properties
Weldability
| Welding Process | Recommended Filler Metal (AWS Classification) | Typical Shielding Gas/Flux | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIG | ER630 | Argon | Preheat recommended |
| MIG | ER630 | Argon/CO2 | Post-weld heat treatment may be required |
Custom 455 is generally weldable using standard techniques, but preheating and post-weld heat treatment are recommended to minimize the risk of cracking. The choice of filler metal is crucial to ensure compatibility and maintain the desired mechanical properties of the weld.
Machinability
| Machining Parameter | Custom 455 | AISI 1212 | Notes/Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relative Machinability Index | 60 | 100 | Moderate machinability |
| Typical Cutting Speed (Turning) | 30 m/min | 50 m/min | Use carbide tools for best results |
Custom 455 has moderate machinability, which can be improved with proper tooling and cutting conditions. It is advisable to use carbide tools and maintain optimal cutting speeds to achieve the best results.
Formability
Custom 455 exhibits limited formability due to its high strength and hardness. Cold forming is possible, but care must be taken to avoid cracking. Hot forming is preferred for complex shapes, as it reduces the risk of work hardening and allows for easier manipulation of the material.
Heat Treatment
| Treatment Process | Temperature Range (°C/°F) | Typical Soaking Time | Cooling Method | Primary Purpose / Expected Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annealing | 760 - 815 °C / 1400 - 1500 °F | 1 - 2 hours | Air | Reduce hardness, improve ductility |
| Hardening | 980 - 1050 °C / 1800 - 1920 °F | 30 minutes | Oil | Increase hardness and strength |
| Tempering | 400 - 600 °C / 750 - 1112 °F | 1 hour | Air | Reduce brittleness, improve toughness |
Heat treatment is critical for Custom 455, as it allows for the optimization of its mechanical properties. The hardening process significantly increases strength and hardness, while tempering helps to alleviate brittleness, making the steel more suitable for various applications.
Typical Applications and End Uses
| Industry/Sector | Specific Application Example | Key Steel Properties Utilized in this Application | Reason for Selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace | Aircraft components | High strength, corrosion resistance | Lightweight, durable materials |
| Automotive | Engine components | High hardness, wear resistance | Performance and longevity |
| Medical | Surgical instruments | Corrosion resistance, ease of sterilization | Safety and hygiene requirements |
Custom 455 is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical due to its unique combination of properties. Its high strength and corrosion resistance make it ideal for critical applications where performance and reliability are paramount.
Important Considerations, Selection Criteria, and Further Insights
| Feature/Property | Custom 455 | AISI 316 | AISI 4140 | Brief Pro/Con or Trade-off Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Mechanical Property | High strength | Excellent corrosion resistance | Good toughness | Custom 455 is stronger but less corrosion-resistant |
| Key Corrosion Aspect | Fair resistance | Excellent | Poor | Custom 455 is not suitable for highly corrosive environments |
| Weldability | Moderate | Good | Fair | Custom 455 requires careful welding practices |
| Machinability | Moderate | Good | Excellent | Custom 455 is more challenging to machine |
| Formability | Limited | Good | Excellent | Custom 455 is less formable than austenitic grades |
| Approx. Relative Cost | Moderate | Higher | Lower | Cost varies based on market conditions |
| Typical Availability | Moderate | High | High | Custom 455 may be less readily available |
When selecting Custom 455 for a specific application, it is essential to consider its mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and fabrication characteristics. While it offers high strength and hardness, it may not be the best choice for environments with high corrosion risk. Additionally, its moderate machinability and weldability require careful consideration during the design and manufacturing process. Overall, Custom 455 is a valuable material for applications that demand a balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication.