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Cold Hardening Characteristics of AISI 305 (1Cr18Ni12)
AISI 305 (1Cr18Ni12) is an austenitic stainless steel that is commonly used in cold forming applications. AISI 305 is non-magnetic and offers good corrosion resistance and formability. The primary benefit of AISI 305 is that it has excellent cold working characteristics and can be easily cold hardened when it is exposed to temperatures in the range of 1020 – 1090°C.
When cold hardened, AISI 305 provides improved formability, strength and resistance to stress corrosion cracking. In addition, the material gains greater hardness and tensile properties. The exact hardening properties of AISI 305 depend on its original thickness and the degree to which it is cold hardened.
The cold hardening characteristics of AISI 305 are primarily determined by its initial hardness. For cold hardened AISI 305, the hardness tends to increase from 200 to 500 Vickers as the material is hardened. Hardening AISI 305 can also result in an increase in its tensile strength, which can reach up to 1000 MPa, depending on the degree of cold hardening.
The use of AISI 305 for cold working has several advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, AISI 305 offers excellent formability, strength and resistance to corrosion. Furthermore, AISI 305 can be cold hardened to provide enhanced mechanical properties. On the other hand, AISI 305 is more difficult to machine than traditional carbon steels. This can lead to increased tool wear, shorter cycle times and longer setup times when machining AISI 305.
Overall, AISI 305 is an excellent choice for cold forming applications due to its excellent cold working properties. It features good hardening, formability and strength, as well as excellent resistance to corrosion. While it is more difficult to machine than traditional carbon steels, its improved mechanical properties justify the small additional cost and effort in machining. As such, AISI 305 is an excellent all-around choice for cold forming applications.