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Stainless Steel Basics Part 3

There are Austenitic Grades (200 and 300 series), sometimes referred to as type 18-8. The 300 series, particularly types 304 and 316, are the most used grades in maintenance applications. • Grain Type of Austenite • Generally non-magnetic (will not attract a normal magnet) • Not hardenable by thermal treatment (Heat Treating) • Work-harden under impact, i.e. Cold work, strain hardening, etc • Generally functional up to about 1500F+ service temp. There are Martensitic Grades […]

February 1, 2023 /0 Comments/by

Endurance Limit & Fatigue

Conversations involving Endurance limit (fatigue strength) are generally concerned with discovering the life-expectancy of a part. “If I use steel type “A” instead of steel type “B”, how much longer may I expect the part to last? A normal concern for sure, however, there is no test or formula for arriving at an even remotely accurate answer, based solely on the chemical and physical properties of a type of steel. Data posted showing “Endurance Limit” […]

December 8, 2022 /0 Comments/by

Stainless Steel Basics #2

So, in our last post we briefly introduced Stainless Steel (SS) in general overview; We introduced the grades most common to general industry (304 and 316), and we looked at some of the properties of those grades. There are, however, many grades of Stainless, each with its own strengths and weaknesses and economies. It is my feeling that due to overall education of the pros and cons of many of these grades, and lack of […]

November 18, 2022 /0 Comments/by

Stainless Steel – The Very Basics

THE 300 SERIES OF STAINLESS STEEL If a steel has more than 10 ¾% Chromium content, it is classified as a type of Stainless Steel. There are many types (grades) of Stainless Steel, just as there are many types of corrosion. One grade of stainless steel may work well with one type of corrosion and then be terrible for service in another type of corrosion. The most common stainless grade is 304. Modify it a […]

October 17, 2022 /0 Comments/by

Pre-Keyed Shafting

Did you know you can buy precision finished high-strength shafting that already has a keyway machined in it? You can. You can purchase sizes from ½” Diameter through 2 15/16” Diameter. This product is available to ship from stock from Associated Steel. The product name is Mirraloy FM (Free-Machining) Pre-Keyed. It is an elevated strength material that is also precision finished and polished, In most sizes accurate within a couple of thousandths. The keyway runs […]

August 24, 2022 /0 Comments/by

Redi-Rail – Kromite CD60

IT IS A HUGE BENEFIT TO THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASE ASSOCIATED STEEL KROMITE CD60 FINISHED RAIL TO BE ABLE TO JUST BOLT IT IN PLACE AND GET ON WITH THEIR LIFE. The manufacturer assumes the risk and accepts the liabilities associated with the production of the product. ASSOCIATED STEEL; “If we supply it, we stand by it”. We cannot guarantee the workmanship of our customer or their agents. Making finished hardened and machined custom wear […]

August 6, 2022 /0 Comments/by

Making Your Own Rails

Part 2 of 3 MAKING RAILS a. if you start with cold rolled or cold drawn material remember that the manufacturing process for that product generally contributes to a noticeable amount of “retained stress”. That stress will tend to be released by temperature, and/or, vibration; meaning, while you are making the rail, or when the rail is in service. b. if you start with a hot rolled bar, you must allow more stock removal, not […]

June 21, 2022 /0 Comments/by

CDA Bars & Rails

Cold Drawn – a Process Not a Material  Cold Roll or Cold Drawn bar is often requested from a supplier as if the term indicated a grade of steel. Those terms refer to production methods not chemistry or grade. I point this out not to be stuffy, but to try to eliminate potential safety problems in the field. Cold Roll, Cold Drawn, or Cold Finished bars may be made from 1018, 1020, 1045, 8620, 4140, […]

May 9, 2022 /0 Comments/by

Reharden a 30RC 4140/4150 Type Alloy to Approximate 44RC/54RC

ASSOCIATED STEEL PRODUCTS: KROMITE® #3 (Hot Roll) & MIRRALOY® (TG&P) The following tips assume you have an existing piece of shafting in 4140 or 4150 alloy steel, that is presently at a through hardness of approx. 30RC. And, that you require an increased hardness of approximately high 40’s to low 50’s RC. PREFERRED METHOD: Long cycle anneal Anneal at 1525F, one hour per inch of greatest cross section. Cool in a furnace to 800F, at […]

April 8, 2022 /0 Comments/by

Modified Steel Grades (Part 2)

4140 and 4150 – KROMITE #3 AND MIRRALOY – modified grades of high strength alloy. Last month, we talked about the word “modification” appearing on a Mill Test Report (MTR). This month I have been asked to clarify just how modifications have been incorporated into two key shaft materials provided by Associated Steel. Those items are Kromite #3 and Mirraloy. Both of those products incorporate changes (metallurgical and non-metallurgical), that address requirements of Heavy Industrial […]

March 7, 2022 /0 Comments/by