AMS 7012 is a low-carbon, high-alloy steel commonly used in aerospace applications. It’s unique composition and physical properties make it special, offering exceptional strength, toughness, and durability. This blog post will explore this remarkable steel alloy in detail, delving into its composition, physical and mechanical properties, uses, hardness, and heat treatment techniques.
What is AMS 7012?
AMS 7012 (also known as 17-4 PH Stainless Steel) is the standard specification for reusable ballistic-resistant body armour, and it’s an essential requirement for anyone looking to manufacture or use such products. The standard lays out stringent testing requirements to ensure that the armour can offer reliable protection against bullets and other high-velocity projectiles. Aside from the core requirements, the specification also defines various aspects of the armor, such as its shape, curvature, and thickness. This allows for consistency in production, which ultimately means that the end-users can feel confident that their gear will perform as expected. Overall, AMS7012 ensures that ballistic-resistant body armour is made to the highest possible standards, keeping individuals safe as they do their duties.
What Form is AMS 7012 Available at Piping Mart?
- Screws
AMS 7012 Composition
AMS 7012 material is a low-carbon, high-alloy steel primarily composed of iron, carbon, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and vanadium. The percentage of each element in the alloy varies slightly, with a typical composition being 0.11% carbon, 15% chromium, 4% nickel, 1% molybdenum, and 0.50% vanadium. An increased nickel content increases the material’s corrosion resistance and toughness while adding vanadium enhances its wear resistance and high-temperature strength.
| Chemical Element | % Present |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.0 – 0.07 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 15.00 – 17.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.0 – 1.50 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.0 – 0.70 |
| Phosphorous (P) | 0.0 – 0.04 |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.0 – 0.03 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 3.00 – 5.00 |
| Copper (Cu) | 3.00 – 5.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.0 – 0.60 |
| Niobium (Columbium) (Nb) | 0.0 – 0.45 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
AMS 7012 Physical Properties
AMS 7012 sheet possesses exceptional physical properties, with a density of 7.86 g/cm³, a melting point of 1399°C, and a thermal conductivity of 28.6 W/m*K. It offers high-temperature strength with a maximum operating temperature of 593°C (1100°F), which makes it ideal for aerospace applications susceptible to extreme temperature variations. The material also exhibits excellent resistance to corrosion, oxidation, and thermal shock.
| Physical Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.75 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Expansion | 10.8 x10^-6 /K |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 196 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 18.4 W/m.K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.8 x10^-6 Ω .m |
AMS 7012 Mechanical Properties
AMS 7012 welding wire boasts outstanding mechanical properties such as high tensile, yield, and ultimate strength, with a typical tensile strength of 2030 MPa, yield strength of 1900 MPa, and an ultimate tensile strength of 2200 MPa. Its high strength and superior flexibility, and toughness make it perfect for use in high-stress structural components in aircraft and other specialized applications.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Shear modulus | 77.4 GPa | 11200 ksi |
| Elastic modulus | 190-210 GPa | 27557-30458 ksi |
| Poisson’s ratio | 0.27-0.30 | 0.27-0.30 |
| Hardness, Brinell | 352 | 352 |
| Hardness, Knoop (estimated from Rockwell C) | 363 | 363 |
| Hardness, Rockwell C | 36 | 36 |
| Hardness, Vickers (estimated from Rockwell C) | 349 | 349 |
AMS 7012 Equivalents
| AISI 630 | ASTM A693 (630) | AMS 5342 | MIL-S-81506 |
| AMS 5604 | ASTM A705 (630) | AMS 5343 | SAE J467 (17-4PH) |
| AMS 5622 | MIL C-24111 | AMS 5344 | ASME SA705 |
| AMS 5643 | MIL P-47183 | AMS 5355 | ASME SA564 |
| ASTM A564 (630) | MIL S-81591 | AMS 5825 |
AMS 7012 Uses
Due to its unique composition and exceptional physical and mechanical properties, AMS 7012 finds use in several industries, such as aerospace, defence, and automotive applications. It is commonly used in manufacturing turbine parts, engine components, rocket nozzles, and structural supports for high-stress applications.
AMS 7012 Hardness
AMS 7012 has a Rockwell hardness of approximately 59 HRc, which makes it extremely tough and wear-resistant. The alloy offers excellent resistance to abrasion and wear, ensuring that it maintains its integrity under high-stress conditions.
AMS 7012 Heat Treatment
AMS 7012 is typically quenched and tempered to enhance its hardness, strength, and durability. The quenching process, followed by tempering, strengthens the material to withstand multiple thermal and mechanical stresses. This heat-treatment process ensures that the material attains the desired mechanical properties, such as increased strength, hardness, and flexibility, making it ideal for specialized applications.
Conclusion:
AMS7012 is a remarkable steel alloy with exceptional physical and mechanical properties, making it a go-to material for specialized applications. It boasts tremendous strength, flexibility, toughness, and wear resistance, making it ideal for high-stress structural applications in the aerospace, defence, and automotive industries. Understanding the unique composition and physical and mechanical properties of AMS 7012 material is crucial when selecting the ideal material for your specific application, ensuring that your components offer maximum performance and reliability.
Abhishek is a seasoned blogger and industry expert, sharing his insights and knowledge on various topics. With his research, Abhishek offers valuable insights and tips for professionals and enthusiasts. Follow him for expert advice on the latest trends and developments in the metal industry.
