ThePipingMart Blog Grades AMS 6512 Maraging Alloy – Composition, Properties, and Uses

AMS 6512 Maraging Alloy – Composition, Properties, and Uses

AMS 6512 Steel

Steel is one of the most versatile materials used in various applications, from construction to manufacturing. One specific type of steel is the AMS 6512, a low alloy steel mainly used for its high strength and toughness properties. You’ve come to the right place if you have ever wondered about this particular steel grade. This article will provide an in-depth guide to AMS 6512, from its composition to its heat treatment and applications.

What is AMS 6512?

AMS 6512 (also known as Maraging 250 Alloy) metal is a high-strength, low-alloy steel highly sought after in the manufacturing industry for its durability and resilience. This tough metal is ideal for applications requiring high wear resistance and the ability to withstand repeated stress without fracturing. One of the standout features of AMS 6512 metal is its outstanding fatigue resistance, which makes it a top pick for aircraft and aerospace components, as well as heavy-duty tools and machinery. With its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and excellent machinability, it’s no wonder that AMS 6512 metal is a go-to choice for engineers and industry professionals looking to build long-lasting, robust products that can stand up to the toughest conditions.

AMS 6512 Composition 

AMS 6512 is a low-alloy steel that combines carbon, manganese, chromium, and molybdenum. It often has a carbon content ranging from 0.38% to 0.43%, a manganese content of 0.70% to 0.90%, and a chromium content of 0.80% to 1.10%. It can also have a molybdenum content of 0.15% to 0.25%.

Element Content (%)
Iron, Fe 68
Nickel, Ni 18.5
Cobalt, Co 7.5
Molybdenum, Mo 4.8
Titanium, Ti 0.4
Aluminum, Al 0.1
Silicon, Si ≤ 0.10
Manganese, Mn ≤ 0.10
Carbon, C ≤ 0.030
Phosphorous, P ≤ 0.010
Sulfur, S ≤ 0.010
Zirconium, Zr 0.01
Boron, B 0.003

AMS 6512 Physical properties

Regarding physical properties, AMS 6512 is known for its high density, which typically measures 7.85 g/cm³ to 7.87 g/cm³. It also has a high melting point of around 1460°C and a boiling point of approximately 2750°C. The thermal and electrical conductivity for AMS 6512 is average, although it has good corrosion resistance.

Properties Metric Imperial
Density 8.00 g/cc 0.289 lb/in³

AMS 6512 Mechanical properties 

AMS 6512 is highly valued for its impressive strength and toughness qualities. Its ultimate tensile strength (UTS) can range from 1015 MPa to 1200 MPa, with a yield strength (YS) of around 930 MPa to 1085 MPa. The elongation at fracture of AMS 6512 typically ranges from 8% to 15%, and its modulus of elasticity (MOE) is approximately 200 GPa.

Properties Metric Imperial
Tensile strength 965 MPa 140000 psi
Yield strength (@strain 0.200 %) 655 MPa 95000 psi
Bulk modulus (typical for steel) 140 GPa 20300 ksi
Shear modulus (estimated from elastic modulus) 73.0 GPa 10600 ksi
Elastic modulus 190 GPa 27600 ksi
Poisson’s ratio (calculated) 0.3 0.3
Elongation at break (in gage length of 4.5 times the square root of area) 17.00% 17.00%
Reduction of area 75.00% 75.00%
Hardness, Brinell (converted from Rockwell C hardness) 290 290
Hardness, Knoop (converted from Rockwell C hardness) 311 311
Hardness, Rockwell C 30 30
Hardness, Vickers (converted from Rockwell hardness) 301 301

AMS 6512 Equivalent

  • Equivalent material to AMS 6512 Stainless Steel include DIN 1.6358

AMS 6512 Thermal Properties

Properties Metric Imperial
Thermal conductivity (20°C) 25.3 W/mK 176 BTU in/hr.ft².°F

AMS 6512 Uses 

AMS 6512 is often used in various applications that require high strength and toughness. The most common uses include:

  • Aircraft gears.
  • Missile and rocket structural components.
  • Drive shafts.
  • Bolts and fasteners.
  • Heavy-duty machine parts.

Due to its corrosion resistance, it can also be used in marine environments.

AMS 6512 Hardness 

The hardness of AMS 6512 can vary depending on the heat treatment applied. For example, it typically has a Rockwell hardness of around 42 to 50 HRC after being normalized and tempered.

AMS 6512 Heat treatment 

Heat treatment is important when working with AMS 6512 as it can significantly affect its mechanical properties. The most common heat treatment for this steel grade is through normalizing and tempering. Normalizing is done to refine the material’s grain structure, while tempering involves heating and cooling the steel to a specific temperature to achieve its desired properties.

Conclusion: 

In summary, AMS 6512 material is a high-strength, low-alloy steel material widely used in applications such as aircraft gears, machine parts, and rocket structural components. Its composition includes materials such as carbon, manganese, chromium, and molybdenum, while its mechanical properties include high strength and toughness. By understanding its composition, physical and mechanical properties, uses, and heat treatments, it is easy to appreciate the significance of AMS 6512 in various industries.

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