Härtung von austenitischem Edelstahl

The predominant crystalline structure is austenite, which is face-centered cubic in nature. This structure prevents steels from becoming hardenable through heat treatment and renders them essentially non-magnetic. To achieve this structure, it’s necessary to introduce sufficient austenite-stabilizing elements like nickel, manganese, and nitrogen. The Incoloy family of alloys falls within the realm of super austenitic stainless steels.

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AISI 303 is an 18-8 chrome-nickel free-machining stainless steel with the addition of sulfur to enhance the machinability of this ordinarily tough and difficult to machine alloy. AISI 303 steel possesses nongalling properties that make disassembly of parts easy and help to avoid scratching or galling in moving parts. It is not recommended for vessels containing gases or liquids under high pressures.

Heat-resistant grades are designed for applications at elevated temperatures, typically exceeding 600°C (1,100°F).

These alloys must effectively withstand corrosion, primarily oxidation, while maintaining their mechanical properties, especially strength (yield stress) and resistance to creep deformation.

Chromium primarily contributes to corrosion resistance, often accompanied by the addition of silicon and aluminum. Nickel, on the other hand, is not particularly resistant to sulfur-containing environments. To address this issue, additional silicon and aluminum are incorporated, forming highly stable oxides. Additionally, the presence of rare earth elements like cerium enhances the stability of the oxide film.

The purpose of this process is to dissolve nitrogen in the surface of stainless steel to a depth of 1mm. Peak hardness ranges from 280HV on austenitic grades to 950HV on martensitic/ferritic grades.

The purpose of this process is to dissolve nitrogen and carbon in the surface of stainless steel to a depth in the range of 5-30µm. Peak hardness ranges from 1000-1200HV on austenitic grades to 1300HV on martensitic/ferritic grades.

Expanite® surface hardening and heat treatment solutions unlock the full potential of austenitic stainless steels by improving wear resistance, eliminating galling, and extending component lifetime without compromising corrosion resistance. With our proven expertise, we help customers in demanding industries achieve superior performance and reliability.

To gain a complete overview of how Expanite can support your material choices, we also invite you to explore our dedicated pages on Duplex, Ferritic, and Martensitic stainless steels – and discover how our technology adds value across the full range of stainless steel alloys.