Custom 455 is a martensitic stainless steel, specifically designed to be used in applications that require wear and galling resistance, along with good corrosion and oxidation resistance. Custom 455 is an improved version of Type 410, and has been developed to be used in applications requiring maximum strength, high wear and galling resistance and high corrosion resistance. These properties are achieved by using a combination of high chromium (12%) and molybdenum (2%) content, along with additional elements like nickel (8%), copper (2%), titanium (Nb) and nitrogen.
Custom 455 has excellent wear and galling resistance, due to the high levels of combined molybdenum and chromium. This combination of elements gives the steel a martensitic microstructure, which helps to produce its excellent wear and galling properties. The high chromium content also gives the steel excellent corrosion resistance to both acidic and neutral solutions. In addition, the additional nickel and copper content provides further corrosion protection.
Custom 455 is a hardenable stainless steel, allowing it to be hardened by heat treatment and thus increasing its strength and wear resistance. However, this process can also be used to reduce the steel’s wear properties, so it is important to perform the correct heat treatment when using Custom 455. The steel can also be cold worked to increase its strength and wear resistance. Cold working also helps to reduce the impact of any microstructural changes in the steel, which can cause a loss in its mechanical properties.
In terms of welding, Custom 455 can be welded using the traditional methods of shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and gas metal arc welding. Although the steel can be austenitized to an appropriate temperature, post-weld heat treatment is generally not necessary.
In general, Custom 455 is appropriate for use in applications that require maximum strength and wear resistance. Its combination of chromium and molybdenum gives the steel excellent wear and galling resistance, while its additional elements provide good corrosion and oxidation resistance. Its hardenable qualities also make it suitable for many applications. As such, Custom 455 can be used for components of refrigeration systems, earth-moving machinery, cutting tools and medical instruments.