MARTENSITE

Martensite is too brittle to serve engineering purpose

Tempering is necessary to increase ductility and toughness of martensite.
Some hardness and strength is lost.
Tempering consist on reheating martensitic steels (solution supersaturated of
carbon) to temperatures between 150-500 C to force some carbide
precipitation.

The nickel maraging Steel was based on the concept of using substitutional
elements to produce age-hardening in a low-carbon iron-nickel martensitic
matrix. Hence the term maraging was given to them to signify this
strengthening mechanism.
The work led to the Discovery that balanced additions of cobalt and
molybdenum to iron-nickel martensite gave a combined age-hardening effect
apreciably grater than the additive effects of these elements used separatelyFurthermore, the iron-nickel-cobalt-molybdenum matrix was found to be
amenable to supplemental age-hardening by small additions of titanium and
aluminium.
There are basically four wrought comercial maraging steels of the 18 % nickel
family and one cast grade currently available from special Steel manufacturers
Maraging Steels
Type

Yield Strength
(0,2% proof stress)
(MPa)

% Alloy content
Ni

Co

Mo

Ti

Al

18Ni1400

1400

18

8.5

0.2

0.1

18Ni1700

1700

18

0.4

0.1

18Ni1900

1900

18

0.6

0.1

18Ni2400

2400

17.5

12.5

3.75

1.8

0.15

17Ni1600 (cast)

1600

17

10

4.6

0.3

0.05

The nominal compositions and 0,2 per cent proof stress values are presented
in the next table:

In contrast to conventional ultra-high-strength alloy steels in which carbon is an

essential constituent and the formation of hard carbon-martensite is necessary
for the development of high strength, nickel maraging steels have a very low
carbon content and their high strengths are derived by age-hardening of
relatively soft low carbon martensite. In consequence, the toughness of the
maraging steels is distinctly superior to that conventional steels at the same
strength levels.

MELTING PROCESS
Nickel maraging steels are generally produced by vacuum melting, or by a
double melting and refining procedure involving both air and vacuum melting,
while double vacuum melting is often employed. Whatever the process the
objective is
1. To hold composition within the prescribed limits with close control over
impurities
2. Minimize segregation
3. Obtain a low gas content and a high standard of cleanliness
These objectives are reached depending of the degree of toughness or
strength. Small amounts of impurities can decrease the toughness
significantly. In particular sulphur should be kept as low as possible and
silicon and magnese must not exceed a combined level of 0,2 per cent. The
elements P, Pb, Bi, o2, n2 and H2 are all maintained at low levels in good
melting practice.

Maraging steel gives you an elevated level of strength, hardness, and ductility. These steels
are created through an aging process that results in the development of a hard, brittle
crystalline called martensite. The term maraging is, in fact, a simple combination of
martensite and aging.
The construction of maraging steel allows it to withstand atmospheres that would quite simply
destroy most standard steel. The aging process instills maraging steel with the ability to
withstand sudden changes in speed and temperature, even at extreme levels. This quality has
made maraging steel alloys an important component of many of the air and spacecraft used
today.

Its specific use in military programs and space programs has made maraging steel a rather
unique material. It is not generally carried by small-scale metals companies. Instead, it can be
found through distributors who regularly work with organizations in the aerospace and
aeronautical industries. A metals company that has the capacity to supply maraging steel will
usually distribute a wide range of hard-to-find alloys.
All Metals & Forge is one such company. They have worked with major corporations and
government organizations that specialize in creating state-of-the-art craft and defense
systems. This AS9100- and ISO9001:2000-certified company carries an extensive line of
maraging steels and other rare alloys. Along with pre-made metals products, they can
customize orders to fit their clients needs. You can contact them at 973-276-5000 or
info@steelforge.com to learn more about these services and the range of options you have
regarding maraging steel. You can also explore their online database to get information on the
aging process used to create maraging steels.

http://www.steelforge.com/literature/metal-tidbits/maraging/#Maraging Steel
martensite: http://academic.uprm.edu/pcaceres/Courses/MatEng/MSE8-2.pdf