AM 355 Steel- Composition, Uses and Machining

AM 355 steel is a popular material used for high strength, corrosion resistance, and toughness applications. Precipitation-hardening steel has become a favoured choice for several industries. This blog post will discuss the composition, mechanical and physical properties, uses, corrosion resistance, heat treatment, machining, and welding of AM 355 steel.

AM 355 Composition

AM 355 steel is chromium-nickel-molybdenum stainless steel. The composition of this steel contains 15% chromium, 5% nickel, 2% molybdenum, and small amounts of carbon and manganese. Adding these elements makes AM 355 steel highly resistant to corrosion and imparts strength and toughness to the steel.

AM 355 Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of AM 355 steel make it an attractive choice for high-strength applications. This steel has excellent strength and hardness; its yield strength can be as high as 1400 MPa. The toughness and ductility of AM 355 steel are also noteworthy, with elongation up to 15%.

AM 355 Physical Properties

AM 355 steel displays good physical properties. It has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ and a melting point of 1398°C. Its thermal conductivity is low, and its coefficient of thermal expansion is relatively high.

AM 355 Uses

AM 355 steel is used in various industrial applications that require high strength, corrosion resistance, and toughness. Its uses include Aerospace components, Pump and valve components, High-pressure pipe fittings, Marine parts, Hydraulic cylinders, and more.

AM 355 Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion resistance is one of the primary properties of AM 355 steel. It can withstand harsh environments and corrosive media like seawater, acids, and alkali. The high chromium content makes it highly resistant to oxidation and pitting corrosion.

AM 355 Heat Treatment

The heat treatment process of AM 355 steel involves annealing, solution annealing, quenching, and precipitation hardening. The solution annealing process is necessary for the best mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, and the solution-treated steel is then hardened by quenching in water or oil. Finally, the steel is aged at a precise temperature to develop maximum strength.

AM 355 Machining

AM 355 steel is tough to machine due to its high hardness. It requires a powerful and rigid machine tool, a sharp cutting tool, and cutting conditions with a high cutting speed. It is essential to use the right cutting fluid, as lubrication is crucial to extend the life of the cutting tool.

AM 355 Welding

AM 355 steel can be welded by various welding methods – TIG, MIG, or plasma arc welding. However, it is necessary to preheat the material and ensure that the heat input is optimal to avoid deformation or cracks. Post-weld heat treatment is also suggested to enhance the mechanical properties.

Conclusion:

AM 355 steel is a unique and versatile material with high strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Its composition, mechanical and physical properties, uses, corrosion resistance, heat treatment, machining, and welding make it suitable for several industrial applications. Understanding the properties and processes involved in working with AM 355 steel can help you choose the correct application method while ensuring optimal results.