In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at Maraging 250 to explore what it is, its composition, its mechanical and physical properties, its uses, and its heat treatment and machining processes.
What is Maraging 250?
Maraging 250 is a specialized steel alloy that has many unique properties. It is a low-carbon nickel-cobalt-molybdenum high-strength steel used in many industries for its high mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent heat treatment properties.
Maraging 250 Composition:
Maraging 250 is a unique steel alloy that is composed of the following elements:
18% nickel
4.8% molybdenum
4.8% cobalt
0.03% carbon
This unique combination of elements gives Maraging 250 high strength and excellent mechanical properties. Its low carbon content also makes it highly ductile.
| 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 |
Maraging 250 Mechanical Properties:
Maraging 250 has excellent mechanical properties, including high strength and good ductility. It has a tensile strength of up to 240 ksi and a yield strength of up to 210 ksi. Its high strength and ductility make it an ideal material for applications that require both properties, such as aerospace and defence applications.
| 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 |
Maraging 250 Physical Properties:
Maraging 250 also has unique physical properties. Its density is 7.85 g/cc, and its thermal conductivity is lower than that of other steels. This low thermal conductivity makes Maraging 250 an excellent material for high-temperature applications, such as heat shields.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.00 g/cc | 0.289 lb/in³ |
Maraging 250 Equivalent
- Equivalent material to maraging 250 alloy steel include DIN 1.6358
Maraging 250 Thermal Properties
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal conductivity (20°C) | 25.3 W/mK | 176 BTU in/hr.ft².°F |
Maraging 250 Uses:
Maraging 250 is used in many different industries because of its unique properties. It is commonly used in the aerospace industry for high-strength components such as landing gear, structural members, and fasteners. Maraging 250 is also used in defence applications, such as armour plating, missile components, and high-strength fasteners. Other industries that use Maraging 250 include medical equipment, oil and gas, and automotive applications.
Maraging 250 Corrosion Resistance:
Maraging 250 has excellent corrosion resistance. It contains a high percentage of nickel, giving it superior corrosion resistance to other steel alloys. It is also resistant to stress corrosion cracking, making it an ideal material for high-stress applications in harsh environments.
Maraging 250 Heat Treatment:
Maraging 250 is unique because it is age-hardened, which means it gains strength through heat treatment. This heat treatment process involves heating the material to 900-950°C, followed by cooling in air. The cooled material is then aged at 480-510°C for several hours. This heat treatment creates a solid but ductile material ideal for demanding applications.
Maraging 250 Machining:
Maraging 250 is a complex material to machine because of its high strength and toughness. However, it can be machined using carbide tools or high-speed steel tools. Cutting should be slow and steady to avoid tool damage and overheating.
Maraging 250 Welding
Maraging 250 is an ultra-high strength and high-temperature resistant steel alloy with superior weldability. It can be readily welded using TIG, MIG, and MMA methods with a preheat temperature of 400°F (205°C) and post-heat tempering as necessary. Also, it has excellent corrosion resistance due to its chromium content.
Conclusion:
Maraging 250 is a unique steel alloy with excellent mechanical properties, high strength, and good ductility. Its composition, mechanical and physical properties, and uses in different industries make it ideal for high-stress applications. The heat treatment process and machining of Maraging 250 require specialized techniques, but the result is worth the effort. If you need a material with high strength and excellent mechanical properties for your high-stress applications, consider using Maraging 250.
A passionate metal industry expert and blogger. With over 5 years of experience in the field, Palak brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her writing. Whether discussing the latest trends in the metal industry or sharing tips, she is dedicated to helping others succeed in the metal industry.
