1Cr18Ni12 (AISI305) Manufacturing Performance Overview
1Cr18Ni12 (AISI305) is a martensitic stainless steel that is non-magnetic in the annealed condition. Due to its exceptional formability and resistance to corrosion and heat, it is used in a wide variety of applications, ranging from automotive components to medical equipment. This versatile material has excellent fatigue and strength characteristics, making it well suited to a number of environments and applications.
Design Characteristics
1Cr18Ni12 (AISI305) is manufactured from iron ore and carbon, and contains 18% chromium and 12% nickel. It is characterized by a combination of austenitic and martensitic microstructure, allowing for maximum corrosion resistance and strength. This type of stainless steel is magnetic at temperatures up to about 356 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius), and it also exhibits high resistance to oxidation in elevated temperatures. It has a high elastic modulus and tensile strength, making it ideal for applications that require excellent formability.
Manufacturing Process
1Cr18Ni12 (AISI305) is most often produced with a hot rolling process, which increases its ductility while retaining its strength. This process begins by melting the raw material in a furnace and then pouring it into a steel-lined form. The molten steel is then rolled between heavy cylindrical rolls, which form the steel into sheets, plates, and rods. The rolling process determines the thickness and shape of the finished product.
Heat Treatment
1Cr18Ni12 (AISI305) steel is subjected to a variety of heat treatments that are used to develop certain properties in the finished material. In most cases, the steel is subjected to an annealing process to soften it and improve its formability. During annealing, the material is heated to a temperature that is below the transformation range, followed by a slow cool down. This heat treatment reduces the material’s hardness and increases its formability, resulting in improved fabrication characteristics.
Other heat treatments are also used to adjust various properties, such as the strength, wear resistance or fatigue strength of 1Cr18Ni12 (AISI305) steel. Depending on the required property, the material may be subjected to a quenching process, with subsequent tempering, or an age-hardening heat treatment.
Welding
1Cr18Ni12 (AISI305) steel can be welded using common welding methods, such as gas metal arc welding (GMAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), and submerged arc welding (SAW). Most welding processes should be carried out with an argon-based shielding gas, as this will reduce the risk of oxidation and provide an optimal welding quality. In order to avoid the formation of coarse, chromium-depleted zones at the weldments, 1Cr18Ni12 (AISI305) should be pre-heated before welding.
Machining
1Cr18Ni12 (AISI305) steel is a moderately difficult material to machine, as it has relatively high heat and wear resistance. Cutting tools should be designed for machining stainless steels, as they have tougher insert coatings, stronger substrates, and special chipbreakers. For turning, high-speed steel tools with positive rake angles and small cutting clearances should be used. To reduce the risk of work hardening, the cutting speed should be kept at a slow to moderate level, and the cutting edge should be kept sharp.
Heat Exchange Performance
1Cr18Ni12 (AISI305) steel is an excellent material for heat exchange applications, due to its combination of strength and ductility. Its high thermal conductivity, along with its high heat-transfer rates, make it an ideal choice for heat exchangers, condensers, and evaporators. Further, its excellent corrosion resistance and strength make it suitable for use in coastal and offshore environments.
Conclusion
1Cr18Ni12 (AISI305) is a versatile stainless steel that offers excellent strength, formability, and corrosion resistance. It is used in a wide range of applications and provides excellent machinability and welding properties. Its heat exchange performance is also excellent, making it an ideal choice for both on and offshore applications.