Stainless Steel 455

Stainless Steel 455 (also known as Custom 455) is a martensitic age-hardenable stainless steel known for its excellent combination of high strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. This alloy is typically used in applications requiring high strength and moderate corrosion resistance, such as aerospace, medical instruments, and certain chemical processing equipment.

Key Features:

• High Strength: Custom 455 can be heat-treated to achieve high strength levels, making it suitable for high-stress applications.
• Toughness: It maintains good toughness, even in high-strength conditions.
• Corrosion Resistance: It offers better corrosion resistance than many other martensitic stainless steels.
• Machinability: It is good machinability, especially in solution-treated conditions.

Applications:

• Aerospace Components: These are used in aircraft landing gear and other high-stress structural components.
• Medical Instruments: Ideal for surgical tools and orthopaedic devices due to their strength and corrosion resistance.
• Chemical Processing Equipment: Suitable for components exposed to moderately corrosive environments.
• Oil and Gas Industry: Used in valve components and other high-strength parts.

Composition:

Stainless Steel 455 typically contains the following elements:

• Carbon: ≤ 0.05%
• Manganese: ≤ 0.50%
• Silicon: ≤ 0.50%
• Chromium: 11.0-12.5%
• Nickel: 7.5-9.5%
• Molybdenum: 0.50-1.50%
• Copper: 1.50-2.50%
• Niobium/Tantalum: ≤ 0.10%
• Iron: Balance

Heat Treatment:

Custom 455 stainless steel can be heat-treated to achieve a wide range of mechanical properties. The typical heat treatment process includes:

1. Solution Annealing: Heating to 1038°C (1900°F) followed by rapid cooling.
2. Aging: Aging at 482°C (900°F) for 4 hours to achieve the desired mechanical properties.

Advantages:

• Versatility: Suitable for various applications requiring different mechanical properties.
• Durability: High strength and toughness ensure longevity in demanding environments.
• Corrosion Resistance: Better resistance compared to standard martensitic stainless steels.

Stainless Steel 455's unique combination of properties makes it a valuable material for industries requiring high-performance, durable, and corrosion-resistant components.