Martensitic Chromium Stainless Steels: Application
Martensitic chromium stainless steels are a family of steels that contain between 12 and 18% chromium, up to 1.2% carbon, and other alloying elements such as molybdenum, vanadium, and nickel. Of the three main martensitic stainless steel grades, 9Cr18, 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV, 9Cr18 steel is the most common and typically used for knife blades and other cutlery items. This grade of steel is also used for making small arms, jet engines and propeller components, as well as helmets and various types of doctor blades.
9Cr18Mo steel is typically used to make surgical instruments and tools. The additional molybdenum allows the steel to harden faster and prevents it from becoming brittle when it is quenched. Tools made with this grade of steel have both higher strength and toughness and are less prone to chipping when in use.
9Cr18MoV stainless steel is essentially an upgraded version of 9Cr18Mo. It is used to make blades and tools that require a higher degree of wear resistance such as saw blades and drill bits. This grade of steel is often used for aircraft components such as landing gear and high-speed rotating parts, medical implants and wear-resistant industrial machinery components.
All three grades of martensitic stainless steel offer superior corrosion resistance compared to other kinds of steel. 9Cr18, 9Cr18Mo, and 9Cr18MoV stainless steels all demonstrate a high degree of surface durability, making them well suited for use in medical, aerospace, oil and gas and other industrial applications where exposure to corrosive environments is unavoidable.
Martensitic stainless steel is a popular choice for manufacturing precision components that must demonstrate a high degree of wear and abrasion resistance. The additional molybdenum and vanadium used to make 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV stainless steels increase their hardness and ability to withstand high pressure and is suitable for use in bearings, pumps, tools and other precision components.
The combination of superior wear and corrosion resistance make martensitic stainless steel an ideal material for a wide range of applications. 9Cr18, 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV steels all have both excellent mechanical and surface properties that make them suitable for fabrication into medical instruments, cutting tools, jet engines, small arms and other components used in extreme conditions.
Martensitic stainless steel is strong, durable and resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal material for components and tools that require a high degree of durability and wear resistance. All three grades of this steel, 9Cr18, 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV, offer superior corrosion resistance and high hardness making them suitable for many industrial and military applications as well as medical instruments and tools. The additional molybdenum and vanadium also provide the 9Cr18Mo and 9Cr18MoV grades with additional strength and wear resistance that makes them the preferred choice for many tools and components requiring performance under extreme conditions.